Managing difficult managers

A “difficult” manager can test your professional resilience.

- ANJA VAN BEEK

HAVE you ever had to deal with a “difficult manager”? These kinds of workplace leaders can test your patience, resilience and professional sanity.

Understanding how to manage your manager is not just a survival skill; it can be a critical aspect of your professional development. Instead of letting these experiences drown your spirit, use them as a learning experience and an opportunity to practise your speaking-up skills.

Growth mindset

A basic understanding of “controlling the controllable” can be a good starting point. While you cannot control your manager's behaviour; you can control how you respond to the behaviour and how long it takes to have a conversation about the issue.