Think your boss doesn’t like you?

If there is one person you hope likes you at work, it’s definitely the big honcho – your boss. After all, this is the person who will make all decision regarding the kind of work you’ll be doing, the opportunities you’ll get, your promotion and yups, whether you get a raise or not! Let’s not forget too that a boss who doesn’t like you will make you very unhappy at work, not to mention demotivated as well.

How can you tell if your boss doesn’t like you? Unless it is really obvious (like your boss blatantly ignoring your ideas, doesn’t give you the opportunities you want, or you know, tells you that he’s not happy with your work and that you’re wasting company resources), the signs are usually subtle. He’s gotta keep it professional after all. But if you know what to look for, they are easy to spot.

One thing you need to know before we share the signs with you: You don’t have to be best buds with your boss to get far in your career (some call that being the boss’s pet). You can achieve career success by gaining respect and support if you play the game right and do your job well. At the same time, it’s not entirely your fault if your boss doesn’t favour you; he could just be a terrible leader who doesn’t know how to keep things professional at work.

Now, onto to the signs that your boss secretly doesn’t like you.

#1 You got a gut feeling
Gut feelings are usually spot on… and if you think your boss secretly hates you, chances are you are right. Maybe there’s been some not so subtle signs – your boss being annoyed each time you knock at his door, him being more friendly with other teammates but super cordial with you, and you not getting the support or help you need from him to get a job done. It might not entirely be in your head. And if this is coupled with the other signs below, then yups, you’re not exactly your boss’s favourite person.

#2 He never includes you in key decision, even if you are the most senior in the team
When your boss doesn’t ask for your opinion, it could be a sign that he doesn’t trust your opinion or think too much of it. Being asked for your input means your boss values your ideas. Not given the opportunity to share what you think says “Not interested in what you have to say, next!”

#3 He tries his best to minimize contact with you
Why would you want to spend time talking to someone you don’t like, right? Same goes for your boss. If your boss is curt with you and only talks to you when necessary and only about work, chances are he’s not very into you. And if he spends time asking all your colleagues how their weekend went but not you, that’s pretty clear.

#4 He watches you like a hawk
Or the opposite of minimizing contact – you find your boss constantly breathing down your neck, micromanaging everything you do. Some bosses have the tendency to micromanage because they love being in control but if your boss does this only to you, it could indicate that he doesn’t trust you. It can also be a form of bullying where he intimidates you and makes you feel like you have no clue about your work at all.

#5 Read the signs
How a person reacts while in your presence says a lot. If he is relaxed and casual, then you have nothing to worry about. But if your boss is constantly crossing his arms, don’t look up from their computer screen when you enter his office, rarely smiles at you or is constantly sighing whenever you ask a question, this can reveal their true feelings towards you.

Watch this space for our guide on what to do if your boss doesn't like you coming up soon!

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash