Everyone complains about their boss from time to time. No one really likes to be told what to do and when to do it – so, of course, there will be some gripes with upper-level management.

But when a small gripe becomes turns into a more serious problem where a boss is stubborn and refuses to see reason, then there’s room for concern.

As HR representatives, sometimes it can be difficult to deal with hard-headed bosses in an organisation even with set procedures within an HR system.

And if upper-level management doesn’t respect you, then it’s more likely that you will lose the attention of the rest of the workforce too. So, the question is, how can HR help to deal with a stubborn boss?

To help you tackle this issue with care and expertise, here are 6 tips on how HR can manage an unruly boss.

1. Is the Boss Really That Bad?

Before you try to fix a difficult boss, make sure you really are dealing with one. Perhaps the employees are the ones who are being unreasonable? Or maybe HR processes are at fault? Before you approach a suspect, do your research to see where the root of the problems lies. If the boss is definitely the one that’s not being fair, then read on…

2. Understand the Boss’s Motivation

Understanding why a boss acts a certain way will give insight into their management style. Once you understand the reasons behind their actions, you will be able to form a strategized solution.

3. Chat to Them About Their Communication Style

Sometimes the issue doesn’t lie with what bosses say but it has more to do with how they are saying it. Good communication within an organisation is a key component of employee happiness.

A good idea would be to run communication training programmes that are focused at upper management. If a boss can improve the way he or she communicates, then this might nip all other problems in the bud.

4. Set Boundaries

If you find yourself working with a person who has no boundaries, then it may rest on your shoulders to go ahead and set them yourself.  The purpose of HR is to ensure that the entire workforce runs like a well-oiled engine and if that means manipulating the mechanics, then so be it.

5. Don’t Let Them Affect Your Work

No matter how bad your boss' behaviour is, avoid letting it affect your work. If you end up being frustrated and in a rage because of stubborn behaviour, then there may be no solution in sight. Keep a level head, take a deep breath, and remember that an HR role is never without its challenges. But – you’ve got this!

6. Avoid Future Bad Bosses

If you have done everything in your power to get through to a hard-headed manager with no luck whatsoever, then it may be time to make a move. A boss who is not willing to learn is one who will, unfortunately, fail in business.

Before you find yourself a new organisation to work for, however, do your research so that you can make sure that you don’t fall into another situation with a stubborn boss. This, of course, is where action needs to be taken to the extreme.