Many of us have had experience with different kinds of bosses. Some may be real dictators like Miranda Priestly from ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, and some may be real gems like Jules Ostin of ‘The Intern’. And many of us must have faced the one with unrealistic expectations.
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They pile on work as if you were Hercules, expect you to deliver work on impossible deadlines as if you were Doctor Strange. Or expect tasks from beyond your role as if you were Iron Man. So, what should you do when your boss or manager has unrealistic expectations from you?
When Your Boss Gives An Impossible Deadline
When you know you cannot complete a huge report by tomorrow even if you have a gallon of coffee at night, then you should be very clear that after reviewing the requirements of the report, you would not be able to submit it by tomorrow. You can ask them to help you by teaming you with another colleague or extending the deadline.
When Your Boss Gives Work Beyond Your Role
When your boss expects you to do something beyond your daily call of duty, you should remind them that you are busy with the tasks that come with your official role. For instance, you can highlight why something else requires your prior attention or how your team would be affected if your time is diverted to something else.
When Your Boss Expects You To Be Available Beyond Office Hours
When your boss expects you to be at his beck and call on weekends, after hours, or even on holidays or your vacation, it means you need to set clear boundaries. You could politely remind them that you have allotted the said time for yourself or your family.
Shivangi Pathak, Brand Communication Executive, says, “It is better to explain your situation clearly to your boss. At times, it is important to take a stand and letting the boss know the feasibility of certain tasks, rather than keep the work pending and accumulate resentment on both sides.”
While it is easier to set limits of work-life balance with your colleagues and juniors, managing it up can be tricky. But you need to do it, though cautiously and politely. But you need to be firm when it comes to a boss with unrealistic expectations.
