Workplace nightmares

WORKPLACE HARASSMENT is an issue that is never out of date. For most of us, our work life is a hectic scramble to make things work, to get it right, to overcome obstacles, and to make ourselves heard. The situation is all the more complicated if we are to work with an uncompromising and demanding superior. Even an enthusiastic and spirited worker can be slowed down and put off by an overbearing and eccentric boss. How do you lighten the uncompromising situation at work?

The safety net

When you realise that you have an unyielding and an unreasonable person for a boss, its time to take cover! Don't give your superior any chance to find fault with your work. Ensure that everything gets done on time and nothing is left pending. Follow his orders to the tee.

Reason out

One way to deal with a difficult boss is to reason out things. Arun was asked to submit his report on a sales survey by a certain date.

Unfortunately he could not meet the dead line, as the survey report hadn't come to him on time. Arun's boss, an exacting man was furious with him for the delay, as the report had to be presented to the top management to devise alternative solutions to generate better sales.

Before he could even get an opportunity to explain, Arun was ticked off rather badly by his boss. Arun could have avoided the unsavoury episode by reporting the difficulty to his superior much ahead of the deadline. He could have negotiated a postponement of the presentation to a later date. This action can often avert near disastrous situations.

Don't encroach

Imperious bosses are sometimes themselves victims of insecurity and professional jealousy. They feel threatened by efficient and effective subordinates and some even go to the extent of sabotaging their work. One way to ease their insecurity is to constantly assure them that as a subordinate you are not going to trespass on their domain.

Sometimes even if you are forced to override your superior's suggestions for want of a better one, do so with tact and diplomacy. Highlight the better option in such a way that it involves him as well. Stay one step ahead and involve the boss in the activity right from the formulation till the implementation and review.

This not only helps mitigate his unhelpful attitude but also helps him understand that nobody is trying to interfere with his work or position of authority.

Due credit

A good boss is definitely a bonus. However, it is not great to have one who unduly hogs the limelight and snatches all the accolades from a deserving subordinate. Such behaviour is not only very de- motivating but frustrating as well. If it happens once too often, you could attempt curtailing such unwelcome behaviour by reporting the issue in a subtle manner to your boss's superior. This may help alleviate the problem to a great extent.

Emergency tactics

If workplace harassment and bullying tactics by the boss become unbearable, the only solution left is to either report it to the top management or jump ship altogether. Record every decision or act taken unjustly against you. This helps you present your case with factual data. Appropriate support from the top management can settle many a dispute. If however you plan to take up a new job, leave the former in good spirit and much grace.

The lessons to be learnt are many, but we could help quicken the process by adopting a few techniques to stay afloat. Never ever assume things, always clarify it in either plain terms or get a written document. Constantly update your job description, by understanding what you are required to do and what not. Most of all get a life! Challenge yourself to greater heights of achievement and address those niggling doubts and problems immediately.

SAMYUKTAKODA

samyukta.hyd@careercommunity.co.in