October 2, 2025

Laurie was in a job she hated. Jeremy, her boss, was demanding and ungrateful. He put unnecessary pressure on those who reported to him and wielded his authority like one who cared only to execute his power.

Unfortunately, as much as she wanted to, Laurie couldn’t quit her job at the moment. So what was she to do?

Here are a few suggestions for Laurie—and for you—if you find yourself in a similar situation.

1. PRAY. In such types of situations, we need God’s wisdom. He alone knows what is really going on underneath the surface, and He alone can guide us in handling the situation in a manner pleasing to Him and beneficial to all involved.

2. ASK FOR WISDOM. We need to get to the root of the problem. Usually negative behavior is targeted at a situation totally unrelated to the problem at hand. For example, a boss who yells at you may not be upset at you at all but at the fact that she and her husband are on the brink of divorce. You may be simply getting her husband’s mail.

3. DETERMINE THE TRIGGERS. Both your boss’s and yours. Carefully observe your boss’s behavior and your own. What triggers negative outbursts? Is it something you do or don’t do? Something outside of you? Your boss’s personal problem? Be honest in this assessment. Often we have blind spots that are the culprit, but we simply don’t see them. Be willing and humble enough to admit that the trigger may be on your end as well as on your boss’s.

4. SEE THE SITUATION THROUGH YOUR BOSS’S EYES. Stephen Covey wrote, “Seek first to understand, and then to be understood.” * Sometimes all it takes is a shift in perspective to discover the root cause of the relationship problem. Understanding another’s perspective fosters compassion, Compassion offers grace, and grace provides opportunity to sort things out in a respectful, dignified manner.

5. ENDEAVOR TO MAINTAIN GOOD COMMUNICATION. The ability to dialogue freely in a spirit of respect goes far to resolving an issue with a boss or a co-worker. As Laurie listened intently to her boss and refrained from condemning him, she began to see that the reason for the relationship problem had deeper roots. Laurie’s boss was extremely worried about his child’s recent medical diagnosis. This put stress on him both at home and at work. Consequently, he feared not being able to perform properly in either place and subconsciously increased his demands on the employees entrusted to him.

As Laurie sought to foster good communication with her boss, he confided to her that he and his wife were greatly worried about their child. Laurie was able to empathize with her boss and even offer to take a little more of the load for a while. Her generous offer greatly relieved the boss’s stress and led to the healing of their work relationship. Even beyond that, Laurie’s wisdom in dealing with the situation created a much improved atmosphere in the work environment.

NOTE: Dear Friend, I will be ceasing publication of “The Relationship Road” as of this post in order to pursue full-time the writing of fiction. As I approach my 80th birthday, I am discerning that this is the direction the Lord wants me to take.

Published posts will remain on my website at https://maryanndiorio.com/the-relationship-road/

I wish to thank all of you for your faithful support over the time we have been together. May He continue to bless you in Ephesians 3: 20 ways as you fulfill His great call on your life. __ MaryAnn

_________________________________________________________
Sources cited:

*Covey, Stephen. The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People.
“Effective Strategies for Managing a Challenging Boss”
https://www.engageemployee.com/blog/effective-strategies-for-managing-a-challenging-boss

_________________________________________________________
Featured Book of the Week:

When a young, female auditor discovers evidence that the man she loves is an embezzler, she must choose between ruining him or ruining herself.

Amy Torelli, Chief Auditor for New York City-based Enson Pharmaceuticals, is assigned to audit the books of Enson’s Italian branch in the enchanting city of Milan, Italy. Having made an inner vow never to trust a man again because of her father’s betrayal, Amy finds herself falling in love with Enson Italia’s American-born Vice-President, Ted McMasters. Will Ted be the one to cause her to break her inner vow?

Ted McMasters is on the run. A run from rejection. From himself. From God. Having been wounded by a father who made him feel worthless, and having been dumped by the woman he wanted to marry, Ted is determined to keep all women at bay. But will Amy be the reason he changes his mind?

“Unforgiveness enslaves; forgiveness sets free.”

Purchase Links:

PRINT

EBOOK

AUDIOBOOK