by Maria Papadopoulou

Created on: March 14, 2010

An overly controlling boss can cause tremendous damage in the workplace, if you allow him to bring you down. While it is easier said than done, there are some ways that can help you deal with the situation effectively and make the best out of a bad situation.

Tips for dealing with an overly controlling boss

1. Identify the reason

In order to be able to solve the problem, you need to understand its cause first. What is for certain is that some kind of insecurity  is hidden beneath the layers of power that your boss tries to exert over you and the rest of his employees. What you need to find out is the reason for that insecurity. Does your boss feel antagonistically towards you because he considers you to be a more valuable asset for the company than he is? Is he afraid that he is going to be stabbed in the back and that is why he wants to control  your every move? Once you figure the reason of your boss's insecurity, you will know where to start.

2. Try to reduce the insecurity

Knowing the reason for your boss's insecurity will give you a direction. Try to reduce your boss's insecurity, by making him see that there is no logical basis for his fears. For example, if your boss is afraid that you are going to steal his job, make him see that you value his job and his position in the company and that you are no threat to him. To make that clear, establish a habit of asking for your boss's opinion and praising him  on a regular basis. If your boss thinks it is necessary to control your every more because he is afraid  that otherwise he is going to be stabbed in the back, try to make him see that you are to be trusted. To clarify that, what you can do is be as honest as possible with your boss. If you are upfront and honest with your boss, even when you strongly disagree with him, then he is going to trust you, as he will always know where to stand with you.

3.Stay calm

When trying to deal with your overly controlling boss, it is important to stay calm. If you react impulsively, things can get a turn for the worse, and you might end up losing your job on top of it.  If you manage to respond logically and provide solid arguments to back up your opinions while  staying calm, cool and collected,  then your boss will listen to you, even if he does not like what you have to say. If you find it too difficult to stay calm while trying to deal with your overly controlling boss, then it might be wise to take some time to lash out in a healthy way first. You can use a journal to express your negative feelings freely or even  visualize revenge. After you get all this negative energy out of your chest, you will be able to handle  your emotional reactions in a better way.

4. Be one step ahead

Another way to handle your boss, is to try and be one step ahead of the game. Find our exactly what your boss expects of you to do and do it perfect. Have it ready  way in advance and also have a backup plan to suggest, just in case. Be fully prepared to answer every question your boss might ask you. Propose adjustments or modifications if you sense that something can get done better, but make it seem as if your boss has the final say in everything . Whatever your boss wants, have it ready before he even asks for it, and in a better way than he expects. By being one step ahead, your boss will soon run out of  excuses to overly control you.

Trying to deal with your overly controlling boss is a challenging task, yet a manageable one, if you develop a smart strategy and are disciplined enough to follow through with it.

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