Staying positive in a toxic workplace is never easy. No thanks to a demanding boss that is usually very conceited and inconsiderate. You can get out of the kitchen when it gets too hot. However, with the job market not easing positively anytime soon you may have to suck up and hope the tide turns for the best. The good news is that you can reduce the amount of stress and anxiety if you know how to stay positive despite having that toxic superior.
Keep your profile low
If you get picked ever so often by your boss, keep your profile low. Stay away from your boss’ crosshairs long enough until the smoke clears. Give your boss fewer chances to lambast you. Most bosses get their own behinds blown off too. They tend to billow off their own frustrations, stress and anxiety to their subordinates. But, with a low-profile and calm attitude your boss will have difficulty having the victory of ruining your day.
Performance is the key
Nothing can shut a boss’ mouth than excellent performance. If your boss keeps on yakking despite your stellar metrics then there is a problem with that guy. Great performance will save you from a long coaching session with you. Prove your worth and the rest is easy. In the end you will be justified and your boss will look like a wuss. Continue to perform at your best amid the stressful environment that your demanding boss is giving you. Keep in mind that giving your best shot at whatever you do will certainly pay off if not sooner, then later. If your boss will not be able to appreciate your efforts, just continue to be highly-productive.
Know how to politely decline
Most of our stress and anxiety at work is driven by doing stuff that is unimportant and non-urgent. If your boss is driving you up the wall about a task that is not within your scope, then politely explain to him or her why you cannot do it. It may impact how well you do the tasks that you are supposed to be doing. You may end up spending more time on less important and less urgent tasks and neglect your core duties. When that happens expect your boss to be nagging at a desk near you. Always be polite but firm in refusing to do those tasks that may only compromise your primary responsibilities. Later your boss will realize that you did the right thing.
Keep silent at all times
More often bosses don’t like to be told that they are wrong. It is not about you, it’s about your boss. They are just Cro-Magnons that have puny brains and could not think through the situation. If you did something, just apologize and go back to work. More often, it is not your fault. The worst thing that you can do is to point to your superior that the situation is not your fault. Suck it up, forget it and move on. It is better to be silent, than risk saying provoking words and end up being thought of as a fool. Just allow your actions to prove what you are capable of doing.
Leave the problems behind
At the end of the day, never make it a habit to bring your workplace problems at home. Leave it where the problems belong, at your desk. Don’t reply to emails. Turn off your cell phone. Enjoy life after you logged off for the day. Remember that life is not just about “work”. There is so much more to life than just waste it on thinking about your problems that are causing you much stress and anxiety all the time.
Kindness begets kindness
If you show compassion then you reap its fruits. Kindness begets kindness. Show your boss how to be level-headed and you will have more chances of seeing the same thing being done to you. However, this may not sit well with your co-workers so use it moderately.
The workplace should not be toxic. You can do something about it by making it less toxic and more fun. You need not to put up with crappy management. All it takes is patience and perseverance to work towards a healthier and fun workplace.
