How to deal with a domineering, authoritarian boss
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A domineering, authoritarian boss can be described as unforgiving, demanding, opinionated, strong willed that thrives off power and control. While they may be driven and achieve results for the company, they can make a team feel fearful and miserable if their behaviour is not managed properly. Unfortunately, due to their position of power, these type of bosses are unlikely to listen to their subordinates.
What do you do if you find yourself working for this type of boss? Well, all is not lost if you’re in this position. There are effective ways to manage the situation in your favour so you’re not immediately having to resort to quitting your job. That’s the last thing you probably want to do, especially if you otherwise like your job.
We set out 10 ways to manage your domineering, authoritarian boss so you’re not feeling left miserable and dejected.
1. Be assertive and to the point
Be professional, calm, assertive and to the point. If you show you’re timid or afraid of your domineering, authoritative boss, they’re likely to be more dominating and thrive off intimidating you. Remember, they thrive off exerting control.
2. Don’t take things personally
These types of bosses show very little empathy and don’t have the time to take into consideration their employee’s feelings. Aside from power and control, they are interested in results, i.e., meeting if not exceeding company targets in an efficient way possible.
Therefore, they’re direct and won’t ever sugarcoat something if things aren’t going as they expect them to. It’s important to remember that if they’re blunt with you, not to take their feedback personally and be offended. It’s easier said than done, but a slightly different approach should be taken with these types of bosses.
3. Show that you take accountability and responsibility
While any critical, negative feedback given by your boss shouldn’t be taken as a personal attack on your intrinsic value as a person, you should demonstrate accountability, acknowledgement and a way forward when speaking with your boss. Keep this short, direct and free from emotion.
This may earn your boss’ respect. If you happen to drop the ball, own up to this and don’t shift the blame. Your boss is likely to have little to no patience for defensiveness. Put forward solutions and ensure that you won’t make the same mistake twice.
It is also worth documenting feedback and subsequent work you’ve done to demonstrate that you’ve addressed the feedback, i.e., so you have something to refer back to in case your performance is called into question again.
4. Adapt your approach when interacting with them
Aside from being short, direct and to the point, it’s important to provide your boss with status updates regularly even when they don’t ask for these. Not only does this ensure you’re managing their expectations, but it also encourages open communication, and gives them an opportunity to raise any concerns in a more real time manner.
If you’re present in a meeting with them and other parties, avoid doing or saying anything to deflect attention from them as they adore being the centre of attention. We’re not recommending that you dull your shine, but in order to navigate these types of bosses, this would be something to be mindful of.
5. Let them feel in control
It’s important not to ever be submissive or timid in front of bosses such as these. Instead, know when to let them feel in control and in their leadership element.
Choose your battles wisely and reassure them that you’re following their lead. A domineering boss ordinarily won’t value opinions and suggestions from their subordinates. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t speak up at all. It’s all in the way how you deliver your suggestion. Coax it in a way such that the idea came from your boss. If there’s a slight chance that your boss thinks you’re trying to overshadow them, your working relationship with them will be fraught.
6. Treat them with respect
These types of bosses thrive off power and giving them respect helps them feel in power. They could be complete imbeciles, but they’re in a position of power and influence. Additionally, it’s a working relationship that you want to cultivate as it’s in your best interest to minimise noise any workplace politics involving you where possible.
Ultimately, they’re human and they may have good qualities. Look for the good in them and genuinely compliment them where it’s due. You never know, these positive words of encouragement may result in them showing more of the good behaviour. There’s a fine balance between this and being a brown-noser. Just don’t be the latter as you boss will see through this and it’s likely to work against you.
7. Limit opening up to them and keep things cordial and professional
Keep sharing any personal information to a minimum and keep things cordial and professional. If they want to talk about how great their weekend has been or boast about their accomplishments, it would be wise to listen and take an active interest.
8. Don’t try to change them
These types of bosses are unlikely to ever change. If they’ve gotten to their leadership position using their methods, there is very little reason for them wanting to change. Besides, if they thrive off control and power, they’re likely to find these aspects dopamine inducing.
It is not your prerogative or responsibility to change them or their point of view. The worst thing you can do is to question or challenge their leadership style. This is likely to backfire against you. The best thing you can do is to manage your professional working relationship with them.
9. Understand their mindset and weaknesses
The best way to manage your working relationship with a domineering, authoritarian boss is to understand how they think and operate with other leaders that you may know. Learn how to play by their rules.
A key weakness of these type of leaders is that they think their opinions and decisions are always right. So, if you have an idea that’s valid and beneficial for the wider team, there isn’t any harm allowing your boss to think that your idea was theirs and that it would be beneficial for them. We, at Job Honesty, would never condone playing games in any context but there are some instances where it is warranted. Besides, these types of leaders are incredibly switched on and are unlikely to accept something if it doesn’t benefit them directly.
They also love exerting dominance over timid team members. Therefore, even if you aren’t naturally assertive and confident, it’s important to come across as if you can stand your own ground in a professional and respectful way in front of your boss.
10. Focus on your work and build credibility
It can be easy to get caught up with trying to manage your domineering, authoritarian boss but the important thing is to focus on carrying out your job to the best of your ability. Don’t be shy to speak up and gain recognition for good work that you’ve done as perception of this is very important.
Your personal brand is key and being able to showcase this to your boss for awareness remains important. This will gradually build credibility in their eyes of your abilities, and thus help your professional working relationship with your difficult boss.