How to deal with difficult female boss? 7 Practical Ways

Are you confused and consumed by work-related stress as you search for answers to this question: How to deal with a difficult female boss?

Television journalist Judd Rose once said, “With power comes the abuse of power. And where there are bosses, there are crazy bosses. It’s nothing new.”

Judd’s quote made it evident that while working under a bad boss can be frustrating, it’s not a new deal. So learning how to deal with a mean boss shouldn’t be considered a Gordian knot. You can know how to do that if your female boss at your workplace is giving you a tough time.

With that said, the work environment is more conducive and fun for workers when they have a beautiful relationship with their boss. But that may be your desire as you read this article. Because you’re trying to deal with a micromanaging female boss at your workplace. 

There are many debates about whether female managers are better than their male counterparts. But the fact remains that dealing with a mean boss can be overwhelming. Whether it is a man or woman.

Are you working with a bad-tempered female manager who lacks empathy and sets unrealistic expectations for you? Or could it be that she has a hard time appreciating your input, and you’re on the verge of quitting your job? 

Then relax, calm, and read on. Because in this post, you’ll learn:

7 Practical Ways To Deal With a Difficult Female Boss

#1. Know your boss well to deal with her

Sun Tzu, an all-time Chinese military general, philosopher, and author of The Art of War, once said: “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained, you will also suffer a defeat. If you neither know the enemy nor yourself, you’ll succumb in every battle.”

While Sun Tzu’s word appears suitable on a battlefield, its lesson is also relevant for you if you’re trying to deal with a bad, bullying female boss. 

Thus, you must arm yourself with solid knowledge about your boss. You need to understand her personality, motivations, and aspirations. Because this knowledge will help you deal with her and apply the following tips below. 

#2. Deal your boss by Staying Alert

Handling a bad boss can steal your peace, especially if you’re scared of losing your job. But you must not allow it to make way for fear in your heart. Instead, you should be alert. Expect anything—the worst from your boss, including a layoff.

I know that may sound harsh. But it’s what it is. 

That way, you’ll be able to stay in charge of your emotions and not fidget each time you see your boss. Even when you’ve done nothing wrong.

Staying alert prepares you for any mental, emotional, or physical challenge your boss may bring to you. It could be some more tasks during working hours as delegated responsibilities or as the case may be.

#3. Don’t engage in a fight with your boss

It’s no news that difficult female bosses can be great gaslighters and bullies. And they may lose their temper whenever their sense of dominance gets punctured. But don’t get into a verbal fight with them, or you worsen the whole situation. 

Agreed, you should always speak up and state your position about certain issues. But for you to do that, you need to apply your discretion by considering a couple of factors, such as the timing, your mental state, and that of your boss. 

Also, the means you intend to adopt to express your position should be well thought out. Laying your complaint about specific issues at the HR desk could be the most appropriate route to take. It could be abusive behavior from your boss toward you. 

#4. Take responsibility when dealing with your female boss 

Your female boss’s attitude might want you to slack in your duties to get back at her. But that’s a cheap way of dealing with a difficult female boss, and it will always backfire on you. 

So you don’t need to give your boss no justifiable reasons to take actions that can break you. But if you’re diligent with your job and perform the responsibilities in your job description well.

That way, you become undisturbed about any unjust action your boss takes on you. Because you know when a legal case comes up, you have a higher chance to win with glaring shreds of evidence in place… in your favor. 

#5. Keep dealings with your bad as professional as possible

The common mistake many employees make in their relationship with their boss is not keeping it professional. But to manage your bullying and micromanaging boss, you must be professional in dealing with your boss. Keep personal matters personal, and the office takes care of office matter(s).

That way, you’d be able to break the “wings” of your difficult female to ride on you at the slightest opportunity. And also, you’d save yourself from unnecessary troubles with your boss. 

#6. Mind Your Business

Yes, mind your business. While this may not sound like much of an effective way to deal with a difficult female boss, it is why many subordinates get into trouble at work. 

“Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your concern, and be clear that what belongs to others is their business and none of yours,” says Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus.

Note minding your business doesn’t stop you from being a problem-solver or value-giver. But you want a need to arise before acting or when your boss calls for your attention. Because toxic bosses can mistake your intent to be valuable as trying to contend for their dominance. They’re egocentric. 

#7. Get a new job

While many believe not staying back to deal with a bad boss is cowardice on the part of an employee, it’s true wisdom in disguise. It depends on how you see it—and view things. 

First and foremost, there’s little you can do to change a fellow. So trying to change your difficult female boss at your workplace may be a terrible goal to follow till the end. 

If trying to keep up with your boss’s unhealthy attitude is mentally draining for you and stealing your peace, getting a new job may be your best bet. Life is too short to keep masking under what people consider not-too-good when your inner peace receives undue attacks every day.

Final thoughts on How to deal with a difficult female boss

As we have difficult female bosses, there are also male bosses that are micromanagers to the core. So it has nothing to do with gender sentiment; it’s a subject of the personality of one’s boss. But the good news is that a few tips can help you better handle a horrible female boss at your workplace.

Hope you found this post helpful? Drop your thoughts on the topic while you share this article with others.