How to thrive in a work environment with big ego bosses
Ten years ago, I was in a tough spot at work, which changed the way I approached challenges and interacted with difficult people.
Here’s what happened and the realization that caused this “shift.” My company just acquired another company, and I was assigned a new boss.
This boss was a bit much—always on my case, questioning everything I did.
It felt like I was stuck in a constant battle for control.
And I know a lot of us have dealt with bosses or coworkers like this at some point.
When you’re in this situation, it's so easy to feel frustrated, powerless, or even resentful.
So feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to handle the situation, I turned to one of my mentors for help.
Here’s the piece of advice I got that resonated with me deeply:
It was simple yet profound, “Learn to manage your manager.”
Instead of writing off this boss’ behavior as difficult or unreasonable, I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
I stopped seeing myself as a victim and started seeing every tough situation as a chance to understand others better.
I started looking at the situation from a different angle, and things got lighter and better.
It also made me realize something crucial:
Difficult people can be incredibly challenging, but quitting isn't always the ideal solution.
The best way to thrive in this kind of work environment is to understand how to handle difficult people, especially when you work under them.
So, let's talk about ego. The one that can either make or break your work environment.
Good Ego:
Picture a boss who exudes confidence and assertiveness, someone who inspires the team and drives everyone towards a common goal. That's the kind of ego you want in your corner.
Bad Ego:
On the flip side, imagine a boss who's overbearing and self-centered, someone whose ego stifles creativity and teamwork, making everything about them rather than the team’s overall success.
Whichever category your boss falls into, you have the power to influence the dynamics.
Remember: “Learn to manage your manager.”
Here are some practical tips that helped me deal with a big ego boss:
- Choose your battles wisely. Not every disagreement is worth your energy. Learn when to stand your ground and when to let things slide.
- Communicate effectively. Address concerns directly, but diplomatically. Clear communication can go a long way in bridging the gap between you and your boss.
- Foster collaborative relationships. Connect with colleagues who share your challenges and goals. You can support each other and still create a positive workplace.
But here’s the most interesting one I learned…
It's about understanding the inner workings of your mind.
You see, dealing with “difficult people” triggers our worst saboteurs—the voices in our heads that churn out negative emotions like anger, frustration, avoidance, you name it.
But guess what?
We also have the ability to activate our inner sage—the voice of empathy, curiosity, and open-mindedness.
This is where Mindset Mastery comes into play.
And in my upcoming online workshop on May 14 (You’re invited to join me live)…
You will learn how to activate your inner sage and master your mindset to deal with difficult people.
But that’s not all.
During this interactive presentation, you’ll also discover…
- The neuroscience behind well-being and peak performance, with quick techniques to shift your mental state
- The top 10 ways you unknowingly hold yourself back and identify your negative patterns
- How to create peace of mind instead of stress, even in challenging situations
- Discover a practical tool to turn failures and setbacks into opportunities for growth
- Learn the key trait that gives top performers an edge and how you can develop it through daily practice
So, whether you're dealing with a challenging boss, navigating office politics, or simply striving for personal and career growth, this online workshop is for you.
Reserve your spot now and join me on May 14th for an eye-opening journey toward Mindset Mastery.
Remember,
It's not about changing your boss; it's about changing how you respond to them.
We can empower ourselves to thrive in any work environment, no matter how big the egos may be.
And mastering your mindset makes it possible.