How to Handle an Impatient Boss

An impatient superior can have a negative impact on your performance as well as the entire atmosphere of the workplace. The stress of dealing with an impatient boss can cause you to rush, make errors and give less than your best effort. Understanding how to handle an impatient employer requires a bit of psychology and a cool head. Over time, you may even be able to change your boss' habits and improve the office for everyone.


Deliver daily progress reports to your impatient boss to illustrate the work you are doing and to make it clear that time is not being wasted. Remain accessible to your boss at all times so he does not have to search for you and lose patience in the process.


Eliminate redundancies and unnecessary elements from the workday and do not bother your boss unless you have a truly good reason. A worker who is constantly asking for opinions, advice and direction can drive the most mild mannered of bosses wild. Give a short verbal assessment rather than calling a meeting to discuss daily affairs and streamline your contact with the boss as much as possible to avoid using up his valuable time.


Approach your boss and explain the situation. Tactfully explain that the constant demands and criticisms caused by his impatience are hurting the overall morale of the workplace. Explain that his approach intimidates you and other workers and that you believe productivity is being hurt by the circumstances.


Ask your impatient boss if there is a way to go about discussing work matters in a lower stress manner. Describe the impact that his words and actions are having on your coworkers and give a specific example of an instance where impatience hurt the work effort. When the effects of his words or actions are made clear, your boss may better understand the issue and reconsider the approach he uses.


Speak with the human resources department if your boss' antics have become too much for your coworkers and you to handle, and he will not listen to your concerns. Going over your boss' head is a serious matter and can bring about negative results for you and your boss, but if the situation has become too much to deal with, it is better to let your voice be heard than to live in misery.