You can’t figure out your boss. Sometimes he’s really chummy and personable; other times he belittles you in front of the team. How do you handle a manager who acts like Jekyll and Hyde?Here’s how to cope with a moody manager:1. Don’t take it personally: When a boss known for frequent outbursts starts yelling at you, don’t take it personally. Chances are, it has nothing to do with you.2. Look for triggers and patterns: Looking for clues and patterns (Low blood sugar? An impending deadline?) that might reveal the cause of your boss’s temperament changes will help you develop strategies for handling his temper.3. Be thoughtful about your timing: Once you have an understanding of the underlying causes of the outbursts, you can use that information to thoughtfully plan your interactions with your manager.4. Stay calm: If your boss starts screaming or belittling you for reasons you can’t fathom, take a walk around the block, or find a quiet space where you can gather your own emotions. B...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.