Does your boss experience mood swings on a regular basis? Does he or she suddenly become irritable, negative, or isolated for no apparent reason? This isn’t uncommon, especially in a demanding, high-stress environment—but moody bosses can be hugely difficult to work with.
Watch for patterns.
Since spiking your boss’s coffee with mood-altering pharmaceuticals is not a legal option, watch for patterns, for example timing and triggers; start to become aware of the storm coming; and avoid over-reacting yourself.
If you’re having trouble determining their pattern, open start a communication between yourself and your boss’s administrative assistant if they have one. Anyone that is closest to your boss may have the most effective reading of the present temperature—and the long-term forecast. Offer to simply help out your boss’s assistant when you can, to exhibit sincere gratitude for the tip-offs you get.
Limit your interactions if their mood is rubbing off on you.
Many factors connected with moodiness are out of your control and it’s very hard to avoid some emotional contagion. So if you’re able to, limit your exposure to their mood swings hoping that this is just a temporary issue.
Keep your cool.
In the event that you can’t steer clear of the boss, whatever you do don’t inadvertently mimic this management style to other co-workers. Whenever your boss’s mood pendulum swings to the negative, you be a sea of calm. Remind yourself that he’ll get back to center eventually. Show a calm, in-control demeanor yourself. Lighten things up through humor and distraction.
Make sure it’s not you.
Don’t assume it’s only them. Be sure to also reflect on your own mood and performance. Have you been upbeat yourself? Are you currently meeting expectations? Some bosses may be moody towards employees they’re not performing to their standards, although the boss may not have communicated things clearly. So be proactive and figure things out for yourself.
Don’t take it personally.
If it’s an unexpected situation (and you’ve determined it’s not only you that they’re moody with), develop a method to bypass your boss’s bad mood. Take a walk, look at a well liked photograph, call a buddy, and move on. If the moodiness is chronic, either create time to talk about the problem directly with your boss–it could be that he or she is not aware of the impact their behavior–or if that’s not practical, speak with a reliable colleague or supervisor about what you are able to do to handle the situation professionally.
Document their behavior.
Moodiness can turn vengeful, should your boss’s situation go from bad to worse. So protect yourself by documenting their behavior, your work, and projects. One day you might be in a position where you will need to explain what has been going on, and without documentation, your words may fall flat.
Don’t trigger mood swings.
When you determine your boss’s mood triggers, don’t add fuel to the fire just to meet a deadline or get something done. If a tight turnaround time or if hearing bad news with no solution sends your boss’s demeanor in to a nose-dive, take notice, be patient and more strategic.
Pick meeting times carefully.
Figure out the best time to chat or check in with your boss. Approaching your boss near the end of a sales quarter may not be wise, if they are often stressed during that period of time with trying to meet the sales goals. Ask or determine the right time to interact with them, so you avoid times when they might be moody.
Don’t confront the boss during a mood swing.
This is no time for a street fight. If your Darth Vader boss has swung to the dark side, don’t go on the offense with ‘Why are you suddenly so angry?’ If you have a good relationship with your boss, and all hell seems to have broken loose, you can certainly inquire about what’s wrong. But if it’s the all too common subtle mood swings, getting in the boss’s face is likely ill-fated. Better to stay out of the way until the clouds blow over, so you’re not a target.
If the problem persists, discuss it with your boss at the right time.
If the mood swings become a problem and starts to affect your work—don’t just complain to your colleagues and the higher ups; talk to the boss. While a persistent moody boss can be exasperating, you won’t make matters better by complaining to senior management, or even making an off-handed joke about it. Chances are it will circle back to your boss. Then you can watch a bad mood turn into a loud fireworks display.
Instead, find the right time to sit down with your boss to discuss what’s going on. You can’t be your manager’s therapist, but you can offer emotional support if you have a solid, open relationship. If you have a strong foundation of mutual trust, you can become a business confidante, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your work. Your boss will learn to place greater trust and reliance on you. A system of reciprocal support can benefit you in your job and career.”
When moody mayhem strikes, use your own emotional intelligence to read between the lines. By asking non-threatening questions, or knowing how to put your boss at ease, you’re likely to at least see that wild behavioral fluctuations have little to do with you. Then you can be part of an objective solution. Your office-mates will appreciate it, too.
Figure out the best time to chat or check in with your boss. Approaching your boss near the end of a sales quarter may not be wise, if they are often stressed during that period of time with trying to meet the sales goals. Ask or determine the right time to interact with them, so you avoid times when they might be moody.