What is what to do when your boss yells at you?

When your boss yells at you, it's a tough situation, but here's how to navigate it:

  • Stay Calm: The initial reaction is often emotional, but try to remain as calm and composed as possible. Taking a deep breath can help. Don't escalate the situation by yelling back or becoming defensive.

  • Listen Actively: Even if the delivery is poor, focus on the message. Try to understand what's triggering their outburst. Is it a mistake you made? A missed deadline? Understanding the root cause is crucial. Consider writing down the points to help you remember what was said.

  • Don't Interrupt: Let your boss finish speaking. Interrupting will only make the situation worse and could be perceived as disrespectful.

  • Acknowledge the Message (Not Necessarily Agreement): Show that you've heard them. You can say something like, "I understand that you're frustrated" or "I hear what you're saying." Avoid immediately defending yourself or making excuses.

  • Address the Issue (If Possible): Once they've calmed down (or finished), address the specific issue they raised. If it was a mistake you made, acknowledge it and explain what steps you'll take to rectify it. If it's a misunderstanding, calmly explain your perspective.

  • Set Boundaries (Later): While you shouldn't do this during the yelling, it's important to set boundaries later. Schedule a private meeting with your boss to discuss their communication style. Explain that while you understand their frustration at times, being yelled at is unprofessional and makes it difficult for you to do your job effectively. Use "I" statements to express your feelings (e.g., "I feel disrespected when I'm yelled at"). See https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Setting%20Boundaries for further information.

  • Document Everything: Keep a record of the incident, including the date, time, what was said, and any witnesses. This documentation could be important if the behavior continues and you need to escalate the issue. See https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Documenting%20Incidents for relevant details.

  • Consider HR: If the yelling is frequent, abusive, or discriminatory, or if setting boundaries doesn't work, consider reporting the behavior to HR. Provide them with your documentation. See https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Human%20Resources for more information.

  • Know Your Worth: Constant yelling can be a sign of a toxic work environment. While addressing the situation is important, also consider whether this is a place you want to continue working. See https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Toxic%20Work%20Environment for details.

  • Self-Care: Being yelled at is stressful. Take care of yourself by practicing self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. This can help you process your emotions and prevent burnout. See https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Self-Care for additional support.