Here's what to do when you realize your boss secretly hates you
If you're getting the sense that's the case, you'll want to do everything you can to turn things around.
"The relationship between you and your boss is likely the most important work relationship you can cultivate, so it's worth spending intentional time and effort building trust and fostering a good relationship," says Michael Kerr, an international business speaker and author of "The Humor Advantage."
If your boss doesn't like you, it can negatively affect almost every aspect of your work and your overall happiness. "You may be unfairly passed over for promotions or raises; miss out on important assignments; never receive fair feedback; or be subjected to an atmosphere of resentment and distrust ultimately leading to increased levels of stress that eventually force you to search for a new job. It can also reflect poorly on your performance reviews and mean that you miss out on getting a fair referral when you move on to another job," Kerr explains.
But know that building trust and maintaining respect with your boss isn't about being a "suck up" or "cloying sycophant," he says. "It's about earning their respect. It's about being true to yourself and being authentic. And it's not about becoming best buddies with your boss."
Also keep in mind that there are terrible bosses out there who are bullies and rule through intimidation and fear. "In these cases, you may never win and you need to realize that the best thing you can do is to not compromise your own integrity and principles and move on to a better work situation," Kerr says.
Here's what to do if you think your boss secretly hates you:
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