Discover expert Robyn L. Garrett’s tricks for dealing with toxic bosses
Toxic bosses are very common: according to one report, they are the reason why 57% of employees leave their jobs. But you need the salary. Robyn L. Garrett, writer and CEO of the leadership coaching firm Beamably, has a “secret trick” for knowing if it’s time to jump ship.
“Defining your personal values can be tremendously powerful in addressing an issue like this. Not only which values are most important to you, but also which ones you actively oppose,” Garrett said on Harvard Business Review’s “New Here” podcast . last September. “We don’t always know why we experience negative feelings in the workplace, but if you take the time to define your values, it can make it much clearer.”
Is it time to resign?
You should probably consider leaving your job if you are completely against your boss’s approach on a moral level. If the problem isn’t as serious, like a communication problem, you can find a way to deal with your frustrating manager, Garrett said.
Step One: Identify the various factors that define your relationship with your boss and use this information to create an action plan.
“What are their needs? What are their motivations? What are your needs? What are your motivations? How do these things conflict? But how can they also work together? And are there ways the two of you can reach a agreement,” asks Garrett.
If your boss (or bosses) are flexible and root for your success (their toxicity manifests itself in other ways) they will be willing to compromise, Garrett said. If they are stuck in their ways, you will have to resort to changing your communication style to match theirs.
If, for example, you approach bosses to talk about your feelings, they may not be receptive. If you come prepared with research and data to support your thesis, you may be more successful.
“Many bosses are motivated solely by money. They care a lot about their KPIs and their metrics,” Garrett said.
Garrett speaks from experience. Once, while working in an international position, her boss held “2 a.m. conference calls that lasted two and a half hours” and then assigned her tasks to complete later, she said.
“I tried to communicate with this person, but he was very aggressive and took advantage of me because I was young,” she added.
Comparison is not the best solution
In fact, direct confrontation may not be the best solution: According to a 2016 survey conducted by Harris Poll and communications firm Interact, 69% of workplace leaders today say they feel uncomfortable communicating with their employees .
Whatever decision you make, don’t forget to look after your physical and emotional well-being: Toxic work environments can contribute to anxiety, mental fatigue and stress, experts say.
“It’s important to protect yourself at all times,” Garrett said. “Make sure you take care of yourself because no one will do it for you.”
Source: CNBC Make It
Source: Terra

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.