Maintaining open and effective communication is crucial for productive teams and maximizing productivity in the workplace. However, when there is a persistent breakdown in communication, particularly due to passive-aggressive behavior from bosses, it can have a ripple effect throughout the entire organization. This can lead to negative outcomes such as employee burnout, disengagement, anxiety, and increased turnover rates.
Unfortunately, workplace stress and passive-aggressive behavior are all too common. Many employees hesitate to express their true feelings and concerns for fear of negative consequences.
How do you deal with passive-aggressive Bosses?
Sixty-four percent of employees believe that their leaders don’t give them the support they require to be successful in their jobs. Nearly five-seven percent of workers say they’re having to leave their jobs because due to poor management.
Passive-aggressiveness is a trend that can be even more damaging when a leader’s communication is skewed through passive-aggressive behaviors. Be it snarky remarks or a deceitful approach to leadership or a deficiency in taking responsibility for results, these behaviors can have devastating consequences for the performance of an entire organization as well as individual team members.
The task of dealing with a boss who is passive aggressive can be a daunting and difficult task. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible or can’t be attempted.
With the appropriate attitude and the right tools to navigate these kinds of situations, employees can be able to overcome the burden and assist their bosses in removing these habits and gain the clarity required to look for a new job. Before you take the other direction, we should consider going up the hill.
1. Ask the tough questions
The majority of the time even a boss who’s passive might not be aware of why he’s being the way he is. Because behaviors that are bad can be not always obvious in the one who is suffering from them. Thus maintaining honesty is crucial to find solutions to this ongoing issue.
In the majority of circumstances, your boss might believe that they are acting in a proper or in a normal manner. After acquiring their passive aggressive responses by acquiring poor survival skills within their job, it is now a daily routine for them. No matter what the circumstance you’ll always have the ability to steer clear of these waters.
If you ask questions and prioritize clarification, you instantly put them in the driving seat to make the right the right decisions.
If you feel that you’re not being considered part of the process, you could tell them: “I’m not sure about my position on this project. Would you be able to guide you through it?”
If you are looking for more information this shows that you’re putting your money into producing high-quality results. For instance, in passive aggressive actions, information could be kept secret or utilized against you. Always look for information and know-how to stay clear of this trap.
Requesting feedback or clarification after the discussion is a great method to assist your boss to gradually recognize their mistakes in communication skills and make use of their words as a guide for your next actions. If you can ensure that your communication is transparent and clarity, you’ll be able to achieve your goals and achieve longevity of success.
2. Try to Build Trust
Amazing things happen when we are willing to put time and effort into relationships. When you have a passive-aggressive boss on the middle they are looking for to build trust in relationships far more than you realize. Like passive aggressive managers who are not aware of their actions and often seek to build the trust of their coworkers and colleagues. They are still human at the end of the day.
In the end, leaders act in this manner by expressing their own emotions and thoughts. When someone is in an insecurity or fear, as well as paranoia their actions show those feelings. The employees aren’t always aware of the full image of what’s happening in their bosses their lives.
If you are suffering from negative behaviors, remember that a small percentage of people on the planet truly would like for you to feel guilty about you.
Building a trusting relationship with your leader can pay benefits in the future since you’re now active in helping them to improve their psychological state. If leaders have colleagues and employees that they trust, they’re able to look back and analyze their actions and goals.
Establishing confidence is essential to achievement. The majority of people don’t realize the ease by utilizing efficient communication. Learn to communicate to others and watch passive aggressive behavior fall away.
3. Following Up, Follow-Up Follow Up, Follow Up
The top leaders are active however not everyone who is who is in a leadership role is a leader who takes action. This applies to everyone, even others who are passive aggressive at work.
In many cases those who are from a position of uncertainty or fear are not likely to decide to put their lives on the line in order to take a decision.
It is unfortunate that this affects the business and the people who are impacted by the absence of actions. This is especially true when these decisions are required to bring about the changes needed that will improve the company’s performance and enhance your employees and their lives.
The most terrifying thing a leader could say is “we’ve always followed this method.”
Why? Because they’re afraid of change and if they’re scared they are, you’ll know the boss inflexible.
But, change isn’t the only thing that can be guaranteed for both business and personal life. This is a good thing since it means your company is constantly adapting to new challenges finding solutions, and figuring out ways to be more effective in serving your customers.
One of the most effective ways to tackle this issue is to be accountable for your results.
In your own way, you hold others accountable for their actions by taking the initiative to keep track of and hold yourself accountable for the results you have achieved. It is essential for people to be honest in order to improve their skills and to correct their mistakes in their judgements. Making sure you follow through and acting as an example by your actions is among the most effective methods to increase your chances of influencing change.
4. Be Honest and Do Something
A lot of relationships begin with the lack of understanding of expectations or preferences. Or even individual views. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t remain the same way.
Think of that first moment you’ve had a conversation with someone.
- How did you feel about their ideas and views?
- Perhaps you agreed with their views but disagree with some of your personal convictions?
- Have you ever remained in a romantic or friendly relationship that didn’t progress to the next step?
This is also true for your relationship with a boss who is passive aggressive, and that includes other people who are passive working in your workplace. If you truly desire to create change within your company your actions must radiate across all levels and functions.
When you are honest and possess integrity, you can bring about the necessary change you desire within your company. If you consistently act with intent you will be able to help bring about the needed change in your business.
While you keep all these in your mind remember that change isn’t going to happen unless you take the initiative to act. There will be no change in the event that you don’t create the change you’d like to see to make in the first place. While it may be daunting to accept the task of communicating clearly and clarity, it’s worth it over the long haul.
Final Thoughts
If your boss is active, keep this in mind and remember the fact that great things happen over time. The changes may not happen over night, but they will alter with time and a consistent approach.
That doesn’t mean that you should have to live with your boss who is passive aggressive. Although being positive should become one of your main goals, there must be a limit on the amount you can endure dealing with the boss who is passive aggressive.
Every organization will undergo changes as time passes. They will face new challenges as well as new employees and new processes that every company will eventually face. But those who can be considered to be top-notch must be able to handle the constant growth and change.
Make yourself known for your worth by being component of a solution and not part of the problem. You’re equipped to be a leader of excellence to be a great leader, so demonstrate it through your words, actions and connections.