7 Things Your Boss Hates About You

Yes, hate is a strong word, however, these pesky habits and behaviours we don’t even know we have could be driving our boss up the wall and forcing them to feel the ‘h’ word.

We have a number of articles on how to deal with a bad boss but have you ever stopped to think if it’s something YOU could be doing. Let’s put the shoe on the other foot shall we and think the unthinkable…. what is it that you could be doing that could be getting on your boss’s nerves? It’s these very things that could be standing in the way of your promotion, and the reason behind the passive-aggressive emails and the annoyed tone in his/her voice.

What are you doing that your boss hates?!

1. You’re tardy

You’re stuck in traffic or missed the bus – we get it, it happens, but 4 out of 5 days? It’s a bit of a stretch. If everyone else can manage to get themselves to work on time, then why can’t you? Being continually late is an act of disrespect. Try getting up a little earlier; prepare your breakfast and lunch the night before; set your clock a few minutes ahead; mentally plan your outfit and lay out your clothes … these little tricks can save you precious minutes in the morning and save you being unfashionably late … again.

Note: The same goes for meetings. If you’re always holding up meetings from getting started then it’s a pretty big slap in the face to your managers and fellow employees. You don’t want to give the impression that you think they’re time is more valuable than theirs. This is one very important habit that needs to stop.

2. Too many questions, not enough answers

Yes, a curious mind is fine. Never be afraid of asking for help. The problem here is when you ask questions that could have easily been answered by doing a little bit of research and taking a bit of initiative. Basically, don’t be lazy!

Tip: If you do have an important question then be sure to direct it to the right person. Sometimes someone in another department might be able to help you resolve it better than what your boss can. Try not to bother him/her if you don’t need to.

Which brings us to our next point…

3. You’re more about the problem, not the solution

Problem-solving. It’s a pretty important attribute that many of us like to list on our CV or talk up in interviews, but how much problem-solving have you actually done in your role?

“Focus 90% of your time on solutions and only 10% on your problems” – Anthony J. D’Angelo

If your mind is always consumed by what went wrong, rather than finding a good solution, then no wonder your boss is getting frustrated with you. When you come across an issue, take initiative to try and resolve it, rather than going straight to your superiors pointing fingers at colleagues and expecting them to come up with a resolution.

4. Procrastination

This is one quality that no boss wants in their team! If you’ve been asked to deliver on something and keep delaying an important task then this will be triggering all sorts of alarm bells in their mind. So if you’re a chronic procrastinator then try getting to the root of the problem and find the reasons behind your actions. Is it that you don’t understand your assignments and need help? Or are you just not happy in your job and need a change? Stop and think about your attitude and the right steps you need to take to resolve the issue.

5. You’re bringing down the morale

Talking about colleagues or management, spreading gossip or constantly being a Debbie Downer and showing up to work with a chip on your shoulder – all things that can drastically bring down the room.

Be conscious of your behaviour, consider what you say and how it can impact others and remember to always keep it professional. If there’s something you need to get off your chest or need to blow off a little steam go for a walk and call a friend. 

6. You do everything except your job

You take long lunches, multiple coffee/tea breaks, never at your desk and have a reputation for being the office chatterbox. Not ideal!

Sure a quick catch up in the kitchen while making your morning coffee is no problem. Be social, however, realise there is a fine line between friendly and distracting. Lingering around your colleague’s desk for 25 minutes (loudly) talking about last night’s date or the footy score probably won’t put you in your boss’s column of favourite people. If you’re not productive and distract others from doing their work, then you’ll likely be seen as invaluable and a hindrance.

7. Your workspace is a mess

Dirty mugs, stacks of papers, empty lunch containers, scattered pens… Looks like someone isn’t very organised, or at least that’s what your boss will think. A disorganised workspace means a disorganised worker. Tidy up, if you can’t even manage to keep a few papers in place then how can your boss trust that you can be organised in your role.

A good workplace is a two-way street. While you’re boss works on how to improve him/herself, it’s also important you’re being the best employee you can be. Not being a pain in their neck and getting on your boss’s good side can help get you to where you want to go. It’s not so hard, just ask the right questions; be more productive; respect everyone’s time and be conscious of your workspace and behaviours.