If you work for a passive-aggressive boss, you know what it’s like to deal with someone who is constantly in your face and doesn’t hesitate to put you down. A passive-aggressive person can be difficult to deal with because they often act like they have all the power when really they don’t.
They may try to make you feel bad about yourself by using sarcasm or false modesty. Here are some tips on how to handle a passive-aggressive boss:
Land More Interviews With A Professional Resume
Get a professional resume review from a certified career expert
How do you respond to a passive-aggressive boss at work?
Passive-aggressive bosses are difficult to deal with because they don’t communicate openly. They may be frustrated or unhappy but they don’t share their feelings openly and directly. Instead, they display indirect anger or frustration through subtle behaviors and comments like sarcasm, procrastination, and inefficiency.
Some people respond to passive-aggressive behavior by confronting their boss head-on. However, it’s important to realize that when someone is passive-aggressive, confrontation can make things worse by making them feel threatened.
Instead of confronting your boss, try to find out what’s wrong by asking questions. Ask if there’s something that’s bothering them and listen for clues about what has happened or is happening in their lives. If you can see the source of the problem, you can work with them to find a solution.
How do you neutralize passive-aggressive behavior?
The first step is to recognize that it’s happening. This can be difficult because the passive-aggressive person often doesn’t want you to know they’re being passive-aggressive. They may even pretend they don’t know what you’re talking about and act like everything is fine.
If you think someone is being passive-aggressive, ask them if they are. Be specific about what you’ve observed and avoid making accusations. If they admit to it, ask them why they’re doing it and how you can help them work through whatever issue is causing the behavior.
Keep in mind that you need to be patient and understanding. You might need to repeat yourself several times before they actually hear what you’re saying. If they continue to act this way after repeated conversations, it may be time for them to seek professional help. Passive-aggressive people rarely talk about their feelings, so it’s important to ask them questions. Try not to take the behavior personally.
How do you stop passive-aggressive behavior from your boss?
The first step is to meet with your boss to find out why he or she is being passive-aggressive. Then, using positive reinforcement, you can start to work on getting rid of this behavior.
For example, if your boss has been complaining about how little time he spends with you lately, then you could offer an additional hour of productive time each day. It would be in addition to his regular job requirements.
If after a while your boss doesn’t respond positively to this offer, then you can try again by offering more time – perhaps more than two hours per week. If after yet another three months of silence from him (he has not changed his behavior), then it may be time to terminate your employment contract and seek another job as quickly as possible.
This is a very delicate situation, and it’s important to tread carefully. It’s also important to remember that if you do have an issue with your boss and want to leave him behind, then there are other jobs out there.
When can you tell if your boss is passive-aggressive?
There are a few tell-tale signs that your boss is passive-aggressive. The first sign is if they seem to always have an excuse for everything that goes wrong. This can be anything from not replying to emails, or showing up late for meetings.
Another sign is if they are constantly criticizing you, but never offer a solution to the problem. The third and most obvious sign is if they give you negative feedback in a way that makes it seem like it’s your fault for something going wrong.
The best way to deal with a passive-aggressive boss is to come up with a plan of action for you. If your boss starts making excuses for everything that goes wrong, take control and try to find solutions. If they are constantly criticizing you but never offering solutions, then talk to them and ask them what they would do in your position.

Should I ignore a passive-aggressive boss?
If your boss is passive-aggressive, it’s important to determine whether their behavior is a sign of something deeper. Passive aggression can be a symptom of anxiety or depression. If you’re concerned about your boss, try talking to them about it. If they seem to be struggling with mental health issues, offer to help them out—or just listen.
It can be difficult for someone who is suffering from depression or anxiety to admit that they need support, so you may have to ask if something is wrong more than once before they open up.
If your boss is being passive-aggressive because they’re angry with you, then it’s time to confront them. Be prepared for an argument, though: Passive-aggressive people tend to be emotionally volatile, so don’t take anything personally. Listen carefully and try to understand where they are coming from—even if their point of view seems ridiculous.
And if you need some extra help, consider hiring a coach. A professional counselor can help you deal with the person in your life who is passive-aggressive and teach you strategies for handling them.
Land More Interviews With A Professional Resume
Get a professional resume review from a certified career expert
Conclusion
Even when a passive-aggressive boss is recognized, the workplace can be very unfriendly to this kind of personality. All things considered, the best way to deal with your passive-aggressive boss at work will be to develop a strategy for how you’re going to handle this very problem.
It’s good to remember that all bosses have both good and bad qualities. By helping your passive-aggressive boss to see themselves in a more positive light, you might actually help your relationship.
Your work experience should be accurately reflected on your resume. Grammar, spelling, and other issues on your resume will give the impression that you are unprofessional.
We have a team of experts who can examine and modify your resume if you need assistance. This will guarantee that it is free of errors, presentable, and a good reflection of your job experience.