When IT Managers Insult

Being a CIO is a tough job, but the job can be even tougher if you have a department manager who is just a little too aggressive toward you or the staff. Fortunately, there are some strategies you can use to cope with someone like that.

If the manager is being aggressive toward you, I recommend being polite but firm. Remember that you're the boss. Don't allow someone with an aggressive personality to pressure you into making uncomfortable decisions. When dealing with someone like this, you must be polite at all times. At the same time, your demeanor must reflect a will of iron. It's a tough balancing act, but it can be done.

Remaining polite, civil, and, most of all, calm is essential. You can't respond to aggression with aggression, or an already tense situation could quickly get out of hand. At the same time, you must remain firm in your dealings with the manager. Otherwise, you risk becoming a puppet.

That's not to say you should never accommodate your manager. Part of being polite is taking the time to listen to what the manager is saying. If the manager has a good idea, you should acknowledge and act on it. It's not only good for the company, but it also can help improve your standing with that person.

Read the rest of this story on Enterprise Efficiency.