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How to keep calm when dealing with a complicated boss?

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Mahalmadane Touré Engineer| National Headquarters of Geology and Mines of Mali (Bamako) Mali
I need some useful tips to keep calm when dealing with a boss who push it too much.
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Amantle Nyangane CEO| Waasa Architects Maun, Africa, Botswana
Be proactive, always be prepared, stay professional and last be persistent
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1 reply by Mahalmadane Touré
Aug 30, 2017 8:04 PM
Mahalmadane Touré
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Thanks everybody for your help and guidance I really appreciate it.
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JOSEE DUFOUR IT Programme Manager| Worldline Savigny Sur Orge, ., France
I would ask him to state his needs and expectations. The better you know what he wants from you, the best you can anticipate and avoid him "pushing" on you.
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Bob Patrino Consultant/Senior Technical Project Manager| Tamazari Newport, KY, United States
Objectives, goals and targets. Work with data. Having a difficult boss is one of the worst things we deal with in our life. I once had a boss who was impossible, created conflict and tension. I made the decision to move to another group. Sometimes that is the best thing. Hang in there Mahalmadane.
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Michelle Howard Sr. Project Manager Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca, United States
Document, document, document. This will work if he's pushing you too much by not clearly defining tasks. If it's an issue of changing items mid-stream or denying what was previously stated, document the outcome with an email detailing the decision made. The last line should state something like "if the items above are correct, I will proceed..." This way you will have what he/she states as a matter of record and you will have ammunition. Best way to keep your cool - in my opinion. Good luck.
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1 reply by Jess De Ocampo
Aug 30, 2017 8:19 PM
Jess De Ocampo
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There are reasons why he is pushing too much. Is it lack of trust? Is he anxious that the tasks will not be accomplished? Managing of expectations is important. Document and keep your boss updated real time. If his behavior is still the same and if this keeps bothering you, you may approach your boss and have a talk with him. Always remain calm, polite and professional.
Some bosses are pressured by their own bosses and unconsciously cascade the pressure to their subordinates.
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Michael Perdunn Principal| MKP Solutions Omaha, Ne, United States
Make sure you always keep in the back of your mind that this isn't personal. What pressure is your boss feeling that is leading to this behavior? I would encourage you to ask questions about his/her expectations and try to get at the root of this reaction. Also, don't be afraid to push back (a little) and let them know how it feels when they react that way.

If you work to calm fears and they have realize about the impact of their reaction, maybe you can both meet in the middle. Could be a great coaching moment for each of you. Keep us up to speed on developments.
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Mahalmadane Touré Engineer| National Headquarters of Geology and Mines of Mali (Bamako) Mali
Aug 30, 2017 11:00 AM
Replying to Amantle Nyangane
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Be proactive, always be prepared, stay professional and last be persistent
Thanks everybody for your help and guidance I really appreciate it.
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Jess De Ocampo Lean Six Sigma Professional/Project Manager/Consultant/| . Manila, Ncr, Philippines
Aug 30, 2017 1:34 PM
Replying to Michelle Howard
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Document, document, document. This will work if he's pushing you too much by not clearly defining tasks. If it's an issue of changing items mid-stream or denying what was previously stated, document the outcome with an email detailing the decision made. The last line should state something like "if the items above are correct, I will proceed..." This way you will have what he/she states as a matter of record and you will have ammunition. Best way to keep your cool - in my opinion. Good luck.
There are reasons why he is pushing too much. Is it lack of trust? Is he anxious that the tasks will not be accomplished? Managing of expectations is important. Document and keep your boss updated real time. If his behavior is still the same and if this keeps bothering you, you may approach your boss and have a talk with him. Always remain calm, polite and professional.
Some bosses are pressured by their own bosses and unconsciously cascade the pressure to their subordinates.
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Bala Sripada Hyderabad, Ap, India
I completely agree with Michelle Howard. Documentation/status report/progress reports will help to a great extent.
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Mahalmadane Touré Engineer| National Headquarters of Geology and Mines of Mali (Bamako) Mali
Thanks everybody for your help and guidance I really appreciate it.

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