When Your Boss Keeps Baiting You

There are some people that cannot be happy unless they are fighting a verbal battle. We all know someone like this. It is when you have to deal with them on a daily basis that it makes life tough.

You know the scenario is coming just by the look on their face. It starts with the smirk and then the words come firing out of those pinched lips. The question your boss has just asked you has no right or wrong answer. They want a sparring contest, one that they will always win because they are the boss.

You do have a choice to control this situation. You just have to know how to do it. A person cannot argue with someone who isn't willing to argue. You need to do just that. Don't argue. You will be surprised at what just standing there and contently listening will do. It will get them baffled. When it is expected for you to retaliate in words, don't. Let the boss be right about everything. At the end of the day who will care? Not you. If you use a strategy of agreeing with everything your boss is saying, they will no longer use you for their self esteem building exercise of arguing.

When your boss asks you a question you have to answer them back. You already know that which ever way you do answer it will be wrong. Send the message you are listening by nodding your head and use as few words as possible when a response from you is needed. Most importantly keep your cool. First sign of frustration from you is a green light for your boss to keep on hammering. When all is said and done thank them for the "constructive criticism" and be on your way. Take it in your stride and go on with your work activities.

You will quickly become obsolete as a game partner. You no longer fit the criteria your boss demands in their quest for ego boosting. A replacement will soon be found. You will recognize this person. They will be be the first person out of the room when the boss appears.

If you really look at the situation for what it is, it might be easier to handle. It is sad that a person needs the constant reassurance for themselves that they are always right. A boss who starts an argument knowing that the predetermined outcome is that they will win due to their position only, is really quite pitiful. It is similar to what adults do when playing a board game with a child. They let them win.

In all reality the child didn't win and neither does your boss. The elation and self pride that a child feels when they win that game, is the same type of feeling your boss is seeking when they set out to win an argument. It is a misuse of power for anyone to do this, but some people just can't help it. The results they are seeking from these sparring behaviors is the elation of being right. It can be addictive.

If you can keep in mind why your boss is doing this, you might be able live with your boss and their bulling a little bit easier.
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