“People quit people, not jobs.” Have you ever heard of that saying? It’s true. Most people leave their place of employment because of a toxic boss. Disagreeing with your boss is one thing, but working under someone that is always negative, causes dissension, and reduces morale can make life miserable. Unfortunately, many people across the U.S. wake up every morning dreading having to go to work because of a horrible boss. If this sounds familiar, our dental practice coaches share expert tips on dealing with a toxic boss.
First, don’t let a bad boss derail your career. Quitting, whether on good terms or not, isn’t the answer. You can’t run from your problems. You might feel like telling your boss to “take this job and shove it,” although we don’t recommend that. Plus, no matter how bad your situation, never burn bridges! You never know when or if you might need to cross that bridge in the future.
Maintain professionalism
You might not be able to control your boss or anyone else for that matter, but you can control your own professionalism. If your boss is chewing you out or exhibits toxic behavior during team meetings, don’t stoop to their level by being negative or rude in return. Instead, maintain your professionalism at all times, no matter the situation.
Do your job well
Do your job well so that you don’t become the target of toxicity from your boss. Don’t give him or her a reason to complain or call you out. Go the extra mile and show up every day with integrity. We aren’t talking about brown-nosing. Instead, do your best so that you can feel confident in yourself. Our dental practice consultants recommend staying one step ahead, especially if your boss micromanages. Anticipate their expectations and already accomplish the task. They’ll have less to complain about.
Don’t gossip
It’s certainly tempting to bash a bad boss behind their back, especially to your team members. But gossiping doesn’t solve the problem. If you hear others gossiping about your boss or anyone else on the team for that matter, distance yourself from the conversation and resist the temptation to speak negatively about anyone in the office. If you need to vent, do it with friends or family members outside of work. It helps to blow off steam by exercising or meditating. Work has enough stressors on its own, and so you should be finding ways to relax and rejuvenate regardless of whether you have a nice or negative boss.
Don’t fall into the drama
Misery loves company. Unfortunately, dental practices often have drama. From lazy team members to bad leadership, drama breeds discontent and destroys team morale. Instead of falling into the drama pit, keep a distance from team members or leaders that are the source of drama. Be polite and helpful, but don’t let their negative behavior zap your confidence and joy.
Be a leader
You don’t have to be the boss to be the leader. You can lead from anywhere, no matter your pay scale. Set a good example for your team members by following the above-mentioned tips. People who take on the role of a leader naturally attract others as they see you taking the initiative. However, stay within your boundaries. You shouldn’t make decisions or do anything that would undermine your boss or fall outside your job scope.
Dental Practice Consultants
Dealing with a toxic boss can be challenging and exhausting, but you can control how you respond and how well you do your job. Bryant Consultants is a family-owned consulting firm that can help dental practices reach their full potential and more! If you would like to learn more or schedule a complimentary one-hour consultation, please get in touch with Bryant Consultants by calling (877) 768-4799. We provide consultation, training, and coaching virtually or in person. To ensure that you receive the latest updates, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
