I have what you might call a toxic boss. She has days when she’s fine, and she has days when she’s downright vicious. Yesterday, during our morning meeting it became clear to me that we were all going to have a very bad day. The mood was set. Anger was the dish we were to eat.
Usually, when I realize she’s in a bad mood, I respond by hiding, keeping my head down, avoiding her at all costs, and being as quiet as possible. I cling to the hope that, if she can’t hear or see me, she might forget I’m there.
Yesterday I tried an experiment. I decided I would not let her ruin my day. Instead of her infecting me with her bad day, I would infect her with my good day. And so we fought.
I went to work armed with 4 cups of coffee and this little gem….
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Yeah, that’s The Bible.
Romans 12:21 for those of you who might be following along.
My boss isn’t really what I’d describe as evil. I’m fairly hopeful that she doesn’t have the minions of darkness carrying out her bidding.
I used that verse as my personal mantra all day. It’s similar to “kill em with kindness,” or “you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” I kept a caffeinated bounce in my step and a bright smile on my face. I dismissed her comments. When she spoke to me in a critical way I responded with smiles, laughter, and jokes.
By the end of our first conversation she was laughing with me. By lunch time she was chatting with me and all the hints of the morning’s unpleasantness were forgotten.
Coffee and Jesus helped me fight my boss!
Don’t let a negative person infect you and ruin your day. Be stronger than they are. Fight them off with happiness. Overcome a lousy attitude with a good one.
I am certain that there will be days that my boss is more angry than I am happy. She will still win some, but I’m still going to try.
Fight the good fight! Has this technique worked for you? Will you try it?
(Photo by: The fabulous Ash Makemson who insists this cat is yawning and not angry.)
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This is awesome!!! I am going to try it
Lemme know how it goes!
Great post!!!!