13 Possible Reasons Why Does My Boss Make Me Nervous

Why does my boss make me nervous? Intimidation, micromanagement, and a general sense of unease can all contribute to this feeling.

Nervousness around your boss is common, but that doesn’t make it any less stressful.

13 Reasons Why Does My Boss Make Me Nervous

There can be many reasons why your boss makes you nervous. Let’s dig into a few of the most common ones.

1. Intimidation:

One common reason for feeling nervous around your boss is intimidation. This can happen when your boss is someone who:

– Yells at you

– Is it unpredictable, or

– Has a generally aggressive demeanor.

It can also happen if your boss is someone who is highly accomplished. And you feel like you can never measure up.

Intimidation comes from a place of feeling like you’re not good enough. When you feel this way, it’s tough to speak up or assert yourself.

You might also find yourself going along with things, even if you don’t agree. Or that is to avoid conflict or feel like you’re not meeting your boss’s standards.

You can also be intimidated by your boss’s position of power. That can be scary if they can promote or demote you, give you a raise or cut your hours.

When constantly worried about losing your job, it’s tough to focus on anything else.

2. Fear of Disappointing:

Another common reason for feeling nervous around your boss is the fear of disappointing them.

This can happen if your boss is someone who:

– Is a perfectionist

– Holds high standards

– Is quick to point out mistakes

Some people are just naturally more detail-oriented than others. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

But if you’re someone who tends to make mistakes more often, you’ll feel like you’re constantly under the microscope.

Some bosses like to micromanage their employees. And while this might not be the ideal situation, it doesn’t have to make you nervous.

If your boss looks over your shoulder, be extra diligent.

Make sure that you’re meeting all of your deadlines and that you’re putting your best foot forward.

It might take some time to adjust. But eventually, you’ll get used to it.

3. Perception:

Sometimes, it might not be anything about your boss that makes you nervous. Instead, it could be all about your perception.

For example, you might feel nervous because you think your boss is:

– Criticizing everything you do

– Looking for mistakes

– Out to get you

If you’re thinking negative thoughts like these, it’s no wonder you’re feeling nervous!

Try to change your perception by looking for the positive in your boss’s actions. Maybe they’re just trying to help you improve your work.

Your boss may also have reasons for acting the way they do. If you need clarification on the reasons, try asking them directly.

This can be a difficult conversation to have. But it will help you understand your boss better. And it could improve your working relationship.

4. Lack of Communication:

One of the most common causes of nervousness at work is a lack of communication.

This can happen when your boss needs to give you clear instructions or feedback. It can also happen if you need clarification on your expectations.

Developing a good relationship with boss can help reduce this feeling of nervousness.

Make sure to keep the lines of communication open. This means asking questions when you’re unsure about something.

And let your boss know if you’re having trouble with a task. Some bosses prefer to communicate via email, while others prefer face-to-face interaction.

Find out what your boss prefers and try to communicate in that way. It can also be helpful to build a relationship with your boss outside of work.

If you’re able to have a good rapport with your boss, it can make working together much easier.

5. Fear Of The Unknown:

When starting a new job, it’s normal to feel some uncertainty. Will I like the people I work with? What will the work be like?

These are all valid concerns that can cause anxiety. One way to combat this fear is by researching the company you’ll be working for.

– Read up on their website

– Talk to people who work there, and

– Try to learn as much as you can about what to expect.

And with a little preparation, you’ll be able to start your new job confidently.

And your boss will be just another person you work with.

6. Lack Of Control:

Your boss has the power to give you assignments and set deadlines. And they can determine whether or not you’re meeting expectations.

But it’s important to be a team player and follow instructions. But there are ways you can take control of the situation and feel more empowered in your job.

You can build a good working relationship with your boss with a little effort. And this way, you will feel confident in your role.

Some people are naturally confident. But if you’re not, that’s okay. You can become more confident by preparing for your interactions with your boss.

Think about what you want to say before you say it. This will help you feel more confident and in control when speaking to your boss.

It’s also important to be assertive. If you have a different opinion than your boss, don’t be afraid to share it. But be respectful and listen to their point of view as well.

7. They’re Unpredictable:

Some bosses are more stable than others. As a result, you may always need to figure out what to expect from them.

They might be in a bad mood one day and take it out on you. Or they might make sudden changes that impact your work.

It can be tough to deal with an unpredictable boss. But there are ways to manage the situation.

By staying calm and being flexible, you can adapt to whatever comes your way.

And with time, you may even be able to predict your boss’s moods.

Sometimes, the best way to deal with a difficult boss is to try to understand them.

8. They Are Untrustworthy:

An untrustworthy boss can make your work life very difficult. If you can’t trust your boss, feeling comfortable in your job can be hard.

You may feel like you have to watch your back all the time. And this can lead to stress and anxiety.

If you have an untrustworthy boss, you must be careful about what you say and do.

They may be quick to take credit for your work. Or they may blame you for their own mistakes.

It is important to document everything and keep good records. That way, you can protect yourself if there is ever a dispute.

9. Toxic Culture:

A toxic work culture can make your job very stressful. Also, being constantly subjected to negative or abusive behavior can take a toll on your mental and physical health.

You may feel like you have to walk on eggshells all the time. And this can lead to anxiety and depression.

If you work in a toxic environment, it is important to find a support system. This can be friends, family, or a therapist.

You should also document everything that happens. This will help you if you ever need to take legal action.

10. Micromanagement:

Micromanagement is when your boss is constantly watching your every move. And they are breathing down your neck.

This can make you feel like you are not trusted or valued. And it can lead to a lot of stress.

If you are being micromanaged, discuss it with your boss. If that doesn’t work, look for another job.

Some bosses micromanage because they are insecure. Others do it because they want to control everything.

Many bosses micromanage because they don’t trust their employees.

And you can’t build a good working relationship with someone who doesn’t trust you.

11. Gaslighting:

Gaslighting is when your boss tries to make you question your reality. For example, they may tell you that you said something that you didn’t say.

Or they may make a decision and then tell you that you agreed to it. Gaslighting can be very confusing and frustrating.

If you think your boss is gaslighting you, the best thing to do is to keep a record of what happened.

Some bosses try to make their employees feel small. They may do this by making critical comments or belittling your work.

This can be very hurtful and make you feel like you’re not good enough.

It’s important to remember that your boss’s opinion of you is one of many opinions that matter.

If they belittled you at work, talk to a trusted friend or family member about what’s happening.

They can help you remember that your boss’s opinion is not the only one that matters.

12. Boss Is Scary:

Some bosses can be scary. For example, they may shout at you or make threats. This can be frightening and make you feel like you’re in danger.

If you’re scared of your boss, it’s important to tell someone. First, talk to a friend or family member about what’s happening.

They can help you figure out what to do. When you’re feeling scared, it’s also important to remember that you have rights.

You have the right to get respect. You have the right to a safe work environment.

13. Boss Is Rude:

Some bosses are rude. They may say things that are mean or hurtful. This can make you feel bad about yourself.

If your boss is rude, try to talk to them about it. If they don’t listen or are rude, you can talk to someone else at your job.

You can also file a complaint with your company’s human resources department.

Some companies have a policy against discrimination and harassment. This means your boss can’t treat you badly because of who you are.

For example, they can’t treat you badly because of your race, religion, gender, or disability.

Final Word:

Why does my boss make me nervous? It could be for several reasons. Maybe they’re always yelling, or maybe they say mean or hurtful things.

You may have a fear of your boss because of their position of power or because you think they may fire you.

If your boss makes you nervous, it’s important to figure out why. Once you know the reason, you can decide what to do about it.

Last Updated on 10 months by Shahzaib Arshad