The Must-Have 7 Tips for Handling Your Impatient Manager
If you have a manager that constantly checks in about the status of projects, expects a quick turnaround on all action items, or frequently sends you last-minute assignments, then you might have an impatient manager. But just because your manager is impatient doesn’t mean that they’re not also kind, supportive, and helpful. To help handle your impatient manager’s queries and demands, here are some tips for setting healthy boundaries, having productive conversations, and adjusting your workflow to gain their trust.
1. Sharpen your intuition skills
Before anything else, if you find that your manager is impatient, take some time to really consider why they might be that way. Are they impatient on a case-by-case basis or in general? Are they impatient before the end of a big project, or do smaller action items mean just as much to them as larger ones?
By being able to mentalize with your manager and learn what makes them tick, you can start to intuit their responses and prepare for them. That response could be an emotional preparation if you’re nervous about receiving a scolding. It could also be a literal preparation, as when you know what your boss expects, you’re more likely to have it ready for them.
2. Define expectations
Next, if you’re having trouble intuiting what your boss needs from you, try sitting down and having an honest conversation about what your boss needs from you. They might not realize that their impatience is getting on your nerves, or they could be impatient because the prior employee in your role was consistently slow.
According to a study from Forbes, while 71 percent of those in executive positions categorize themselves as impatient, only 50 percent of middle managers would call themselves impatient. So explore the topic with them delicately and mindfully by working towards the core of the issue together – where their impatience comes from and how you can help them feel more secure.
3. Daily check-ins
Another way to handle an impatient manager is to deliver daily reports outlining what you’re doing and how close you are to finishing. This is an especially helpful tool for remote workers to show that you’re on track and that you have an alacritous drive to keep everyone in the loop.
While it might seem like daily check-ins would take a lot of time, they’re actually nothing more than a quick email or a ten-minute stand-up. The less you dread them, the more willing you’ll be to improve them, and you’ll soon be an expert at giving the full report with as much brevity as possible. And eventually, your manager will learn to trust the process – and you.
4. Keep your workflow simple
Your manager might be impatient because they’re unconsciously expressing their fears about workflow. If they’re in the dark about how a task will be accomplished, rather than asking you if you’re doing it in the most efficient way possible, they’ll resort to acting exasperated. Their way of achieving goals might not be your way, and not having control over the methodology you use to do your work can make some managers antsy.
To ease their minds, keep your workflow simple by eliminating redundancies, streamlining your contacts, and keeping communications to the point. In other words, if your manager is impatient, meet them where they are.
5. Reduce your stress level
An impatient manager during a hard deadline can increase stress, making it harder to get things done at the pace your manager prefers. Utilize your other resources to lower your stress, and talk to coworkers if you’re facing an impediment or have a question. Sometimes, if you tell your impatient boss that you need help with something they already expected to be finished, they might confuse your curiosity for incompetence, which will only make you feel worse.
If you feel like you can’t go to your manager without a miscommunication, find someone else at the office who can aid you until you have time for a more serious talk with your manager about operating under pressure.
6. Remember the merits of impatience
You might get frustrated thinking about how your impatient manager reacts in the workplace. And if their impatience ends up becoming malicious, it can harm your relationship. However, they might have better insight or input about the issue than you might think. Just because they don’t know how to express their discontent doesn’t mean that their message isn’t valid.
In fact, data from Forbes states that impatience in leaders is positively correlated with goal achievement and execution. Additionally, many employees who would call their managers “impatient” also categorize them as quick, full of energy, transformational, and competent in building relationships. So don’t let your personal annoyances get in the way of recognizing your manager’s good qualities, as their impatience might actually be a virtue.
7. Stand up for yourself
You might be worried that you could lose your job if you don’t do exactly what your impatient manager says. But in reality, their impatience may be more about their feelings than it is about your actions.
If you feel their goals for a project are too lofty don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and your team. Outline why your manager’s expectations are unrealistic and provide them with alternatives.
8. Utilize HR
Lastly, you can always use your resources at HR if your impatient manager becomes more than just a little crabby. If you’re starting to become the target of your manager’s temper, or you feel like their impatience is impeding your work-life balance, HR is there to support you. You can also go with your team to HR if they also feel like things are getting out of hand.
Remember that the problem isn’t when your manager asks for updates too frequently throughout the day – it’s when they put so much pressure on you and your team that you’re unable to do your jobs.
