So, your boss is a workaholic and expects you to emulate her?
This post originally appeared onThe Muse.
The negative impact of problem managers is pervasive.
Studiesconsistently linka lack of support for work-life balance by managers to fewer profits and more on-the-job mistakes.
Bottom line: The stress of working for someone with a distorted sense of work-life balance simply isnt sustainable.
If you find yourself answering to aworkaholic, you may beheading for burnout.
Its important to take action, even if you feelintimidatedor fearful of her response.
Yes, it can be difficult to set boundaries, let alone request morework-life balance.
His workaholic tendencies may be a result of learned behavior.
Pressureand praisefrom his superior may make it difficult for him to initially relate to your desire for more balance.
Avoid giving praise when a result is obviously due to overworking.
If you know your boss stayed up all night creating a presentation, complimenting his sacrifice can be counter-productive.
Aim for open andproductive communication, and dont assume your manager is out to get you.
Chances are, she simply hasnt noticed.
Workaholics tend to be hyper-focused, which can lead others to view them as uncaring or dismissive.
The sooner you realize that you are not being targeted, the better.
Dont Panic
Dont fixate on missed milestones or advertise daily if youre behind a project deadline.
Its important that you adjust your own perspective ofproductivity.
Being good at your job doesnt mean working more; it means producing results.
How can you avoid this?
Clear and direct conversations will help prevent either party from becoming defensive.
Use open-ended questions such as, How can we develop a more efficient way to accomplish this outcome?
or What will help promote more work-life balance among our staff?
Thoughtful inquiries like these encourage your boss to think creatively instead of relying on habitual workaholic responses.
But clarifying the problem isnt enough.
This allows your boss to prioritize, ensuring that any pressing information be sent during business hours.
As difficult as it can be to stay in a high-stress role, dont let it compromise your integrity.
She helps entrepreneurs and young professionals master their inner psychology for career and relationship success.
Melody has worked with CEOs running top startups along with published authors and media personalities.
Image bychompoo(Shutterstock).
