1. 1 1 Presented by: Society of Women Engineers 2015 Region J Conference Presentation “How to Deal With a Difficult Boss” Kevin Smith, Manager of the Office of River Protection April 11, 2015

2. 2 Do you have a difficult boss? Yes

3. 3 Does your boss have the ability? Yes/Maybe No Fix, Fight, or Flee (FFF)

4. 4 Conduct or Behavior Intentional ? Yes or No Yes Fix, Fight, or Flee (FFF)

5. 5 Can the Conduct or Behavior be Corrected? Yes or Maybe No Fix, Fight, or Flee (FFF)

6. 6 First Do Your Research … gather data  What is your organizational environment?  What is driving your boss?  What are the organizations values?  What motivates your boss?  How does your boss take in data?  What is your boss’ management and leadership style?  What performance feedback have you received?

7. 7 Gather data from multiple sources …  What do others think or recommend?  What are your boss’ priorities?  What are your boss’ values?  What pressure is your boss under?  Are others experiencing the same issues?  How do others do well with the boss?  What is the next level of management like?

8. 8 Don’t forget to look at yourself …  What are your strengths and weaknesses?  What are your goals?  What motivates you?  What is your followership style?  What pressures are you under?  What is the job environment?  Is this the right job for you?

9. 9 You may find the problem is YOU?

10. 10 Difficult Boss YOU

11. 11 Tools ….  Seek “detailed” performance feedback  Ask what would make you a more effective employee  Look for opportunities to make the boss successful  Learn how the boss wants information or deliverables  Think about the critical path to success  Seek a mentor  Fill in any experience gaps

12. 12 More Tools ….  Reinforce positive behaviors  Become an expert in an aspect of work  Work from examples  Enhance work important to your boss  Go to school on previous feedback  Develop a reputation for performing  Align your focus to the company’s overarching goals

13. 13 More Tools ….  Learn to read you boss’ moods  Learn from your boss  Listen more than you speak  Value your boss’ time  Prepare for engagements  Put your boss at the center of your universe  Wait a year

14. 14 When its time to FIX, FIGHT, or FLEE (FFF) …

15. 15 FIX, FIGHT, or FLEE … considerations  FIX  Document your issues (time, place, witnesses)  Tell your boss directly about your concerns  Use the company or union grievance process  Put your concerns in writing to management  Meet with your boss’ supervisor  Utilize Human Resources (HR) processes

16. 16 FIX, FIGHT, or FLEE … considerations  FIGHT  Document your issues (time, place, witnesses)  Team with others – band together  Know the company rules  Know the environment and relationships  Be above reproach  Have a back up option

17. 17 FIX, FIGHT, or FLEE … considerations  FLEE  Document your issues (time, place, witnesses)  Request a transfer to another department  Communicate your departure clearly and in writing  Have a new position before you depart  Always leave on positive terms  Learn from what you liked and did not like

18. 18 In Closing …