My Boss is Angry – How to handle the Angry Boss
July 24, 2011
I was listening to a very interesting podcast a week ago; a listener had asked a question… “My boss is angry, how do I handle it?” Essentially the answer from the panel was:
Keep your head down.
This is a nice safe answer, but it doesn’t do much to turn a problem into a possible strength. If you follow these steps hopefully things can improve and quickly:
1. Stay quiet, be calm and controlled – Remember this person can significantly influence your future career in the company.
2. DO NOT argue with the characterisation of the situation – Having tried to use logical arguments in such situations (and confirmed by many others), let me advise you even if your manager is making wild accusations do not argue with them; it will only make things worse.
3. Fix it FAST (if possible) – You can take your destiny in your own hands, get the issue fixed, promptly, completely and fast. Can’t fix it? Get all the facts that led up to how the issue occurred then…. go to Step 4.
4. How can you prevent it next time – Start to see the positive’s admit your mistake and advise your manager what you have done to ensure it doesn’t occur again.
5. Do not share with the team – Don’t talk about the issue with your co-workers, chances are it’s not just your managers view of the world which is wrong…but yours as well. We are all human and our view of the world differs…especially when a mistake has been made. To make things worst imagine what would happen if your manager found out what you said? How much would your career be limited if your manager knew not only you discussed the altercation but you can’t be a trusted confidant.
6. DO NOT SHARE IT WITH HR – Ok things may have gotten heated, your manager may have lost their trolley, said you’re a horrible employee etc…. basically unless your manager has threatened your life (or your family) do not get HR involved, there isn’t much they can do to help the situation (if your life has been threatened then I’d suggest looking for a new role).
Above all else…
If you make a mistake admit it quickly and don’t try to hide it, your credibility is at stake.
Good luck in making mistakes.
