What do you do if your boss in a social impact career is making your work life unbearable?
Working in a social impact career can be incredibly rewarding, yet it can also be challenging, especially if you're dealing with a difficult boss. When the person at the helm is making your work life unbearable, it's crucial to navigate the situation carefully to maintain your well-being and commitment to your cause. The stress of a toxic work environment can undermine the very impact you're striving to make. However, there are strategies you can employ to address the issue while preserving your professional integrity and passion for your work.
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Pallavi MahajanUnited Nations | Social Impact Consultant & Gender Expert | Published Author | Chevening Scholar
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Maneesha Jha ThakurHR Leader/ Entreprenuer/ Startup Consultant/ Strategy Consultant/ Executive Coach
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Rania Zervalaki PatronaLinkedIn Top Influencer Marketing Voice |Always here to help you build awareness for your startups, uplift the…
Before taking any action, it's essential to assess the situation thoroughly. Reflect on whether the issues with your boss are isolated incidents or part of a larger pattern. Consider the impact on your mental health and job performance. It's important to distinguish between a demanding boss and one who is genuinely detrimental to your work environment. Understanding the full context of the problem will help you decide on the best course of action moving forward.
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If your boss is making your life unbearable, you can adopt the following strategies: 1. Having an honest dialogue with the boss and addressing the gaps and questionable conduct 2. If the boss is unapproachable, involve the HR to redress the situation 3. if nothing works out, it is more important to move away from the space and organization, nothing is more important than your mental peace.
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💯 Your mental health affects the results of your efforts in your job. When facing challenges with management, it's crucial to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the situation. This involves recognizing if the difficulties are recurring or one-time events. Assessing the effects on your well-being and work output is equally important. It's essential to differentiate between a boss who pushes you to excel and one who negatively affects your professional environment. A thorough understanding of these dynamics is key to determining an appropriate response that aligns with your career goals and personal values.
If you're struggling with a difficult boss, seek support from colleagues or mentors who understand the dynamics of your workplace. They can offer valuable perspectives and may share similar experiences, providing you with a sense of solidarity. Additionally, they might suggest strategies that have worked for them or help you identify resources within your organization dedicated to employee well-being and dispute resolution.
To protect yourself and provide clear examples of your boss's behavior, document all interactions that contribute to an unbearable work environment. Keep emails, notes from meetings, and any relevant communications. This record can be useful if you need to escalate the issue to human resources or other authorities within your organization. It also helps you to objectively evaluate the situation when emotions are running high.
Clear communication with your boss can sometimes resolve misunderstandings or conflicts. Approach the conversation with a focus on finding solutions rather than placing blame. Use "I" statements to express how their behavior affects your work and suggest constructive ways to improve the relationship. Remember, it's important to remain professional and respectful throughout the discussion.
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If direct communication doesn't lead to improvements, explore other options within your organization. This might include speaking to human resources about the issues you're facing or requesting a transfer to a different department. Your goal should be to find a solution that allows you to continue your social impact work without the undue stress caused by your current boss.
Above all, prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. If the situation with your boss is affecting your health, it may be time to consider looking for new opportunities. There's no shame in moving on from an environment that's detrimental to your well-being, especially when your primary goal is to make a positive social impact through your career.
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My observation has been that managers that harass their team members do so because of deep seated psychological issues. Most of them do not have a different management style in their arsenal. Mostly, they are unlikely to change at the request of team members. Therefore, one must try communicating directly to the manager, followed by approaching HR or senior leadership. Sometimes, the company may be responsive. If this does not work, creating an exit plan would be the best solution.
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