Difficult Boss? Tips for Smoothing Over Rocky Office Relationships

There are 168 hours in a week.  The average American spends 25% or more of that time working.  Which means, our work relationships are a major part of the relationships we have in our lives.  For many people, work relationships are the basis for friendships that extend past working hours.  Unfortunately, not all work environments are pleasant. One bad boss can make everyone’s life miserable.  But take heart, here are four tips to help smooth over rocky office relationships.

Remember Who is the Ultimate Boss

Paul, in his letter to the Colossians reminded them who is ultimately our boss.  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23 NIV).  The same is still true today.  When we’re working, our true boss is God. 

No matter what job we’re doing, whether it is at the office, or in the kitchen, God is the boss.  Our work should reflect our best efforts back to Him.

If we’re dealing with a bad boss, the quality of our work shouldn’t suffer.  Bad bosses don’t motivate us to do our best work. But God should. The grace and mercy He has shown us can motivate us to do our best work for Him.  When we do, we’re honoring our bad boss as well.

Lead with Humility

Just because you’re not the boss doesn’t mean you can’t be a leader.  When faced with an uncaring, uncooperative boss, lead with humility. Peter reminds us that when we lead with humility, God will lift us up in due time (1 Peter 5:6 NIV).  God knows who your boss is.  He placed them in their position (Romans 13:1 NIV).  He’s not surprised you’re working for them.  Learn what He has for you to learn in this season of life.  Humbly serve them to the best of your ability, respecting the authority that God has given them.  Trust that this is only for a season. God will lift you up in due time.

Strive for Unity

Dissension in the workplace happens quickly when there is a bad boss.  Workmates grumbling around the break room can cause strife. Eight hours can seem like 16 when there is not unity.  Without unity, there cannot be peace. Paul warned the Ephesians to, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3 NIV).  Finding ways to keep the peace at work will help promote unity of the Spirit.  Not gossiping along with others, not criticizing the boss for every decision, not engaging in negativity, are ways to promote peace.  Instead, be a shining light in the darkness. Look for the good, even in the bad. Find at least one good thing about your bad boss that you can focus on, then build from that.

Pray

Last, but not least, pray for them.  John tells us we can have confidence that God hears us when we ask according to His will (1 John 5:14 NIV).  We know God’s will is for everyone to be reconciled to Him, it’s why He sent Jesus (John 3:16 NIV).  The first thing we can pray for our boss is that they know Jesus.  Pray for their hearts to be softened. Pray that you can represent Jesus well to them, so that through you, they can know Him.  Ask God to let you see them through His eyes, not your own. As you do, you will find your heart begin to soften. If your boss already does profess to know Jesus, then ask God to give them eyes to see and ears to hear (Matthew 13:16 NIV).  Hopefully, they will begin to understand the negative effect they are having on the work environment.  But you can’t change them, you can only pray for them. Ask God for the tools to deal with the situation until He leads you out of it or until a change in workplace culture occurs.

Have you ever had a bad boss? What tips can you share on successfully maneuvering through each day with a positive attitude? We would love to hear from you.