Written by Velisa Bowlay Williams
Image by @iammilanrouge
Did you know according to a survey conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in 2020, around 40% of employees in the UK have left a job due to their manager or a direct supervisor. It may be higher as not everyone reveals their reason for leaving a company.
This percentage has remained consistent throughout the years, so if you feel like you love your job but hate your boss you are not the only one! So let’s get into it ….
Managers have a strong play in making or breaking a person’s experience in the workplace. They have influence over your promotions, your development and compensation, so it’s important that any issues with your manager are resolved efficiently and professionally.
Here are 4 things you can do that will help you push through the issues or take a leap of faith.
1) Communicate
It’s important to express your concerns to your manager in a respectful and professional manner. Schedule a 1-2-1 meeting and let them know how you feel about their management style or behavior. Be specific about what bothers you and try to find solutions together. Once you have had that meeting follow up in writing, it may feel awkward to do so but you may need that ‘paper trail’ at a later date if things do not change so don’t be shy!
2) Seek feedback
Ask for feedback from other colleagues who work closely with your manager and a leader you trust to determine if your perception of the situation is accurate. If others share your concerns, you may be able to bring the issue to HR or your manager’s manager. This is a good approach but be mindful of the number of people you ask and who, (are you talking to your managers long term work friend?) Be strategic in who you speak to about the situation.
3) Focus on your job
This may feel difficult to do but despite your negative feelings towards your manager, it’s important to remain professional and focused on your job. Continue to do your best work and maintain a positive attitude towards your coworkers and customers. That way your performance is never doubted and cannot be questioned by anyone including your boss!
4) Look for opportunities
If the situation does not improve, you may need to consider looking for a new job or transferring to a different department. Start networking and looking for job openings, and consider reaching out to former colleagues or mentors for advice and support. You love what you do and you need to be able to grow and thrive in an environment that supports you and your current manager may not be able to provide that.
Situations like this are often difficult to navigate and will not be resolved overnight, it takes patience and many conversations, but YOU got this! You can do it, you will look back at the situation and reflect on the growth you have made since.
