How to Manage An Unrealistic Boss

If your boss has unrealistic expectations, there are 3 things you can do rather than update your resume! 

Writing in the Harvard Business Review, consultant and professor Liz Kislik, offers the following advice:
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• Focus first on what you agree on. You and your boss, at least theoretically, have a joint mission and common goals, and emphasizing that alignment may give you the leeway to explain your personal realities. Be sure to share relevant information frequently and consistently.
• Understand what your boss really wants. It’s unlikely that your boss is trying to be unrealistic or unfair. It’s more likely that they haven’t clearly communicated their rationale: what they want and why it’s important to them. Rather than just thinking “This is ludicrous” be sure you clarify what your boss actually wants.
• Don’t knee-jerk. If your boss is simply “blue-sky-ing” you might not want to act at all — at least not right away. Instead, give them time to explore with you, follow up with clarifying questions, and then co-create what your next actions should be. 

“When all is said and done,” writes Kislik, “for as long as you stay in the job, you’re still responsible for helping your team and your boss be successful. And as frustrating as it can be to work for an unrealistic leader, your goal should be to satisfy as much of the organization’s mission as possible while maintaining your sanity and self-respect.”

Have you ever had an unrealistic boss, and how did you cope?  To join the conversation, click on "comments" above.
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