What's the Best Way to Calm a Grumpy Boss?
Everyone has those days. But when the boss has one, look out. A grumpy boss can slap you with extra work, dress you down over the tiniest little infraction, and just make the office a hellish place. Surely there must be something you can do to lighten his/her mood. Goal-setting-for-success blog Achieve-IT! suggests five somethings, starting with the head-on approach:
Directly address the situation - Ask your boss what is troubling her. This takes some guts but can pay off royally. Asking simple questions like, "You seem a bit stressed, what's wrong? Can I do anything to help?", will deflate some of the most volatile situations.The author also recommends laying on some good news, proferring a small cheer-up gift (not a bribe, mind you), and just staying away if the situation seems too volatile. (Hey, sometimes the boss just needs his/her space.) What do you think? What's your strategy when the boss is on the warpath?However your boss responds (or reacts), remain calm. Breathe and pay attention. There is an old saying: "People aren't mad at you, they are mad at the person who came before you." So there is a chance there is nothing you can do except be a sounding board. This can pay dividends as far as becoming a trusted part of the boss's inner circle.