A lot of people have problems dealing with their bosses. The boss might come across as too demanding (think The Devil Wears Prada), too finicky or too volatile. Everyone has some failings as a person, and no boss is going to be perfect. So it’s usually up to you to learn to manage your boss and deal with any negative feelings you might have towards him/her.
Where Do Problems with Authority Figures Come From?
A lot of people have problems with authority figures which prevent them from seeing their bosses in a neutral light. You might start reacting to your boss the way you did to one of your parents when you were a kid. Or if you had a teacher who was particularly hard on you, you might start associating your boss with that teacher.
Why Do You Need to Have a Good Relationship with Your Boss?
It’s difficult not to let your past associations influence your present. But you have to do it if you’re going to have a good working relationship with your boss. And if you want to move ahead in your career, this is going to be necessary. Your boss will be the person who recommends you for promotions or gives you recommendations. So it’s a good idea to learn how to deal with your feelings about your boss.
Recognizing That You Have Problems with Authority Figures
The first thing you need to do is recognize that maybe you do have problems with authority. The fact is that most people who have this issue will vehemently deny it, placing all the blame on their bosses. It’s not that their boss reminds them of their dominating mother; the boss really is dominating herself. So unless you realize that some relationships from your past are influencing your present, you’re going to be stuck.
Stop Looking for Approval and Being Ultra-Sensitive to Your Boss
You’re always going to be looking for approval from your mother or father and, in turn, your boss. And you’re going to be disappointed when you don’t get it. You’re also going to be ultra-sensitive. When your boss doesn’t like something you’ve done or is merely neutral about it, your reaction might be out of proportion. So recognize that you’ve transferred some feelings from an authority figure in your past and you’re more than halfway towards having a better working relationship with your boss.