7 Ways to Control Emotions When Dealing with a Perfectionist Boss

Every employee surely hopes to have an ideal Boss or one with characteristics close to their dream leader. Psychologically, employees are happier working for a Boss who meets certain subjective values that align with their desires.

However, in reality, employees often cannot choose their Boss. Employees who get a good Boss are fortunate. However, having a Boss categorized as bad does not mean the end of everything. Do you feel pressured by a Boss who always criticizes your work? It’s possible that the Boss’s attitude and intentions towards you are good. Because they pay attention to every detail and want your work to be perfect. However, sometimes there are situations that make this impossible to achieve.

For example, when your work deadline is very urgent, suddenly the Boss asks you to revise your previous work. In fact, they want to completely overhaul the work you have done. Not to mention the harsh criticism that can make your ears burn. Additionally, you cannot work freely because you are always monitored by a Boss who doubts your ability to do your job.

You, tired of all the Boss's criticism, then choose to resign immediately. Resigning is not a smart solution for your career. Deciding to change jobs because of this one issue can actually make your curriculum vitae (CV) "flawed". A work period that is too short often makes potential employers doubt your competence. If you know how to control your emotions when facing a perfectionist Boss, it can actually provide you with valuable experience and skills.

Here are 7 ways to control your emotions when facing a perfectionist Boss.

1. Ask for Time to Clarify Tasks

When Receiving a Work Assignment, Take Time to Clarify Expectations from Each Party. When you receive a new work assignment from the Boss, it’s best to ask the Boss for time to study and understand the task. After you finish studying and understand how to do the new task, convey your opinion to the Boss politely and respectfully. Additionally, ask the Boss for their opinion on how you should complete the task. With this democratic attitude, the Boss will feel their opinion is valued by their subordinates and will be willing to listen to their subordinates' opinions.

2. Clarify Methods and Steps

If the Boss Wants You to Do Something According to Their Way, Ask Them to Write Down the Steps on Paper Step by Step. If every job you do is always considered wrong and not in accordance with the Boss’s wishes and methods, you should not give up right away. It’s better to go directly to the Boss and ask them to explain the methods and steps you should take to complete the work according to their wishes. However, if you do not understand the Boss’s explanation, you can ask the Boss to explain in detail in writing on paper about the step-by-step method for completing your work. You must use polite and respectful language when asking the Boss to do this.

3. Adjust Yourself to the Boss's Wishes

Compromising and adjusting to the perfectionist Boss's attitude does not mean you have to blindly follow their decisions. If their attitude is inconsistent repeatedly, starts to lean towards personal ambition, and disrupts the work rhythm of others, it’s time for you to say that revisions and overhauls of the work must stop. Present your logical and reasonable reasons and convey them politely to the Boss.

4. Be Timely in Completing Work

You must be someone who is timely in completing work. If you complete your work on time, your Boss will be impressed with your seriousness in working. Additionally, there are many benefits you can gain if you are timely in completing work, for example, you can learn other things outside of your work or ask the Boss about other tasks that can be done.

5. Be Thorough When Doing Work

Do not wait for the Boss to find faults in your work. As much as possible, be thorough in your work and ensure that there are no mistakes at all. Because usually, the Boss will check and ensure your thoroughness in completing your work. If the Boss is impressed with your meticulousness in working, they will eventually like your work results and acknowledge that you are a meticulous worker.

6. Don’t Take It Personally When Criticized by the Boss

If you follow your emotions, enduring a Boss who always demands can indeed feel exhausting and annoying. However, you should not take it personally, which makes you feel overly sensitive. Consider the criticism as a whip for you to produce better work. View every criticism as a learning opportunity to become a better employee.

7. Take Initiative Before Receiving Directions from the Boss

Before the Boss gives you directions for completing work, you should take the initiative to finish your work first. By taking the initiative to complete the work before the Boss gives directions, the Boss may assess you as someone who is quick and capable.

Tips Sahabat