Emotional intelligence enables you to understand and regulate your own emotions, as well as empathise with yout difficult boss. This helps in building rapport, defusing tense situations, and finding constructive solutions, ultimately fostering better communication and cooperation in the workplace.

Awareness of your triggered emotions and the ability to watch and observe them is key. When you step out of your identification with your story, you can process and integrate those emotions. It is also vital to drop blame and any idea of being a victim. If you cannot do this, then the deeper reason why you are in this situation or attracting a difficult boss is hidden from view. Things are not always as they seem. Your boss behaving in an irresponsible manner may be happening to help you resolve a deep feeling of unworthiness locked with you. It could also be that you are carrying unconscious anger, and this type of person is exactly what you need to release that anger. Be open, be still and be observant of all your emotions.

Empathising with your boss is only genuinely possible after clearing any triggered emotions. If you are charged, it will be much more challenging. You can clear that charge in two ways. Sit with the feeling or, as mentioned, switch perspectives and take the position of your boss. The latter is harder when your emotional charge is very strong.

If we always choose to battle then we will face an equal and opposing force. We can choose a different path and one which is more empowering. A question you can ask, is how can I go into this situation so that the outcome is a win-win for both parties? This type of approach is strengthened if you are not emotionally charged. If you are, your vision of the situation and of your boss will be obscured by your emotions. If you respond without being emotionally upset then your words will come from a place of strength. The challenge comes though if you have fear of losing your job. You must process and clear this fear in order to take an empowering position. If you do not, then your words may fall on deaf ears.

Clear the emotional charge you experience to express yourself assertively. This is crucial. This is an opportunity for deep inner introspection and will be beneficial for communication with your boss and in all other areas of your life where the same emotional trigger happens.

Speak with someone who has wisdom in knowing themselves. They will be able to provide a unique perspective on the situation, which will empower you. If friends and colleagues carry disempowering beliefs and strong emotions then they may not give you a clear perspective on the situation.