Photo credit: nymag.com

Fear comes at us many ways in the workplace. One of them is the fear of your manager. Yeah, you know, that tightening in your chest every time you get called in the office. Or the sudden (and oh so annoying) attack of stuttering every time you have to explain your work. However you choose to call it, intimidation, lack of self-confidence, self-doubt, it’s rooted in fear.

At the beginning of my career, I reported to a manager who scared the living hell out of me. Heck, her approaching steps had me quivering, although back then I’d rather wear flats all week than admit it. Truth is, I was afraid of making mistakes and disappointing this extremely sharp, over-achieving, always-on-her-toes lady manager I wanted so bad to emulate. And sure enough, I messed up, more than once, and more because I was afraid than because I didn’t know my stuff.

If fear of the boss, or “bossophobia” as some call it, is leaving you paralyzed and performing below par, here are a few tips, gathered through embarrassing trial-and-error:

1. Cut your boss some slack! Yes, s/he may have a bigger title (and paycheck), but s/he is human! You know, the kind with emotions, bad (hair) days, and testy kids, just like you… So cut her/him some slack, stop assuming and smile!

2. Prepare, prepare, prepare! Preparation is key! Don’t just walk into your manager’s office with not a single idea on how to address their question/concern. Take a moment to research the issue, and have at least 2 alternatives to present. Challenging? Yes, but better than wishing you were an insect disappearing under the desk.

3. Confront! Healthy confrontation is key to quell fears at work. Address an issue heads on, tackle a project, boldly (and respectfully) initiate contact with your manager! You may be intimidated at first, yet the more you do the thing you’re scared of doing, the less scared you are (and that applies to cutting your shoe addiction too!).

4. Be good to YOU! Don’t be overly harsh on yourself. Forgive yourself for the mistakes you made, walk with your head up high and trust in your abilities. Easier said than done! Well, fake it ’til you make it (or invest in a killer pair of heels)…

5. Move on! Getting stuck on your fears only helps to worsen them. Move on from your stuttering episode in the boss’s office, let go of the sting of that bad review, and move forward! Focus on new projects, new ideas, and ways you can improve yourself!

Are you afraid of your boss? How do you overcome your fear?

The Corporate Sis.