Give Your Boss A Chance

Have you ever left a company, transferred, or just flat out quit a job because of a not-so-great relationship with your manager? Do you call your best, significant other, or any relative willing to listen to you vent about your boss day after day, the moment you get off work?  Do you drive to work with knots in your stomach at the mere thought of interacting with your boss?  

If any of these struck a chord, it's okay.  But, I want to ask you one more question.  Have you ever had at least one honest conversation with your boss to discuss how you feel?

Everyone vents or complains to co-workers, family members, and friends about their bosses.   Nothing wrong with that.  Plus, it helps clear your head. Getting things off of your chest is always better than allowing them to sit and fester. Not to mention seeking feedback from a third-party; someone that can be provide objective input, is a great way to ensure that you’re evaluating the situation from all angles...not just your own.

Nevertheless, there’s one critical step that you can’t neglect to do - talk with your manager directly.  At some point, you have to include them in the conflict/issues resolution process.  Believe it or not, they may not have any idea as to how their actions are coming across or being received.  As crazy as it is to imagine, it's very possible that your boss doesn't wake up every morning plotting your personal demise.

Before you know it though...many of us are on Indeed and CareerBuilder looking for another job, because we’ve already made up our minds about our boss; we've judged them without ever sitting down and discussing our frustrations.

Whomever you vent to about your boss; no matter how insightful they might be, they’re not the person you need to talk to ultimately.  They’re not the person you’re frustrated with.  They’re not the person stressing you out, or the reason you're looking for another job.  

If you are having problems with your boss; if you have complaints or issues with them - have a direct conversation.  You at least owe it to yourself to let them know how their actions have impacted you.  And, you owe your boss the chance to make adjustments in an effort to improve the relationship.  After all - if the shoe were on the other foot, would you not want the same?