How to Deal with a Demanding Boss

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There is a deadline and you are behind the 8-ball. The clock is ticking and the pressure is on. You are frustrated and the boss is applying heavy arm tactics to push you to come in "on time and under budget." You put forth your best effort and meet the mark. Does your boss share in your success or take the credit? Are the demands of the work place too high? Is the boss expecting too much? Only you can decide if working for a demanding boss is going to work for you.

The benefits of having a demanding boss in a high-stress work environment are multiple for the right individual. Are you well suited to the culture of the company? You have to be honest with yourself about your abilities and your desire to succeed before deciding how best to deal with a demanding boss. A really great boss is going to be demanding, period. Unfortunately, not every "demanding boss" is a good boss.

There are two types of demanding bosses. The first type is aggressive, obnoxious and will possibly take credit for the good work that you do. They are quick to blame, quick to anger and impossible to like. They are self-aggrandizing bullies that promote dissension in the ranks and encourage chaos to hide their own ineptitude.

If you are working for the type of boss that expects too much and gives no support of any kind then try speaking with that person or write down your issues in detail including dates of any problem interactions and take that information to upper management, change positions within the company or move along. This type of person should not be allowed in a management role. They give bosses a bad name.

The second type of demanding boss is not going to ask you to do anything that they are unwilling to do themselves. They are team players, hard workers and motivators. They have a very strong work ethic and are very aware of the needs of the company and how to get the best from their people. They are aggressive but they temper their approach with an open door policy that breeds honest and open communication.

They are going to push you to put forth your best effort but they know that only their top 20% of employees will show the same high level of dedication that they exemplify. This upper echelon of employees are easier to manage and require less daily monitoring, as they give it their "all", day in and day out. A good manager handles a top gun simply by providing motivation, encouraging creativity, offering praise and then getting out of their way until needed, remembering to check in periodically.

It is the other 80% of employees that really require the push to succeed. This section of workers do not bring their "A" game to the office each day. In fact, you are fortunate to find a 75% productivity level from them. If your boss is giving you more attention than you want they are likely doing their job. No two people are the same. A good manager has a different approach for each person. This can cause jealousy and pettiness in the workplace and that has to be dealt with swiftly by having a general standard of expectations for job performance and by reviewing, mentoring and coaching that 80% of staff.

This type of demanding boss knows that they may be able to get a better performance from this staff but that in the long run it is not a level that can be maintained. This is why bosses are demanding. They have goals and targets to meet each month to keep their job and to help you keep yours. The demanding boss is going to be looking to find those individuals with top gun potential and is going to put as much pressure on them to perform as is possible to get results and to monitor that employee.

If your boss is demanding longer hours then ask yourself why this is, first. Find out what you need to do to meet and exceed their expectations. Rise to the challenge and become a top gun by performing at 100%, consistently. A manager that asks for your best, encourages your success and promotes you based on performance is someone that you want to work for each day. Deal with this boss by showing up ready to give more than expected and become a team player and team leader. Ultimately, a good boss builds successful people.