How to Survive (and Thrive) Under an Impatient Boss

The impatience advantage

Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash

Have you experienced the special kind of tension that comes with working for a leader whose patience has the lifespan of a mayfly?

If yes, you are not alone…

We’re talking about the type of boss who practically vibrates with impatience, drumming their fingers, sighing, and maybe even rolling their eyes if a project isn’t delivered as quickly as a pizza on Super Bowl Sunday.

While I’d love to provide a one-size-fits-all manual on how to magically transform your boss into a paragon of Zen-like patience, the reality is a bit more complex. That’s why we need to go on a multi-pronged exploration. We’ll delve into the neuroscience of impatience, offer some practical (and hopefully humorous) tips, and discuss strategies to ensure both your sanity and your success, all with a healthy dose of wit.

The Neuroscience of Impatience: It’s Not Entirely Their Fault

Before we start judging our quick-tempered leaders too harshly, let’s get a little scientific. Impatience is rooted in our brain’s reward system. That little squirt of dopamine we get when a task is complete is the biological carrot that keeps us motivated. Your impatient boss may have an overactive reward system — meaning they need a quicker hit of that sweet dopamine fix to feel satisfied.

Additionally, studies show that impatience often goes hand-in-hand with the need for control. When things feel like they’re taking “too long,” those with this tendency can experience heightened anxiety and feel their sense of control slipping away. This isn’t to excuse their behavior but to offer a glimpse into what may be driving those exasperated sighs.

Survival Tactics Infused with Humor

Now, let’s move from science to survival. Here are a few techniques to keep both your sanity and your job intact:

Become One with the Deadline: Impatient bosses thrive on short, concrete deadlines. Instead of waiting for them to pounce, preemptively offer deadlines, even for smaller sub-tasks. This creates a sense of control for them and, more importantly, lets you work at your pace without that looming sense of an impending deadline-explosion.

Channel Your Inner Fortune Teller: Think like a project psychic. Anticipate questions or snags that might derail the timeline and address them before they escalate into your boss’s personal crisis. This demonstrates your proactivity and keeps their impatience in check.

Employ the “Strategic Buffer”: I’m not suggesting outright lying. But, like the savvy party host who always underestimates how much food is needed, build in a little extra time to your estimated deadlines. This allows for the inevitable unforeseen snag without triggering a meltdown.

Master the “Progress Update” Judo Move: Regular, concise status updates are your secret weapon. Frame it positively: “Here’s what’s done, and here’s my timeline for the next steps.” This provides little dopamine bursts of accomplishment, keeping the impatience beast at bay.

Beyond Mere Survival: How to Excel

Okay, now that we’re not actively running for the office exit let’s focus on thriving under this type of leadership:

Understand Their Tempo: Pay close attention to their communication style. Are they an email warrior, a rapid-fire texter, or a fan of drop-in chats? Match their preferred communication mode and cadence to ensure your message lands with maximum efficiency.

Embrace Agility: The ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities is your superpower. Cultivate flexibility as a mindset, not a burden. When the inevitable “pivot” comes, roll with it, and demonstrate to your boss that you can keep pace.

Focus on the “Why”: Don’t just take orders — understand the rationale behind the urgency. This allows you to identify potential problems earlier and offer proactive solutions instead of last-minute scrambling.

Find Your Calm: Impatience breeds impatience. Respond to their frenzy with a steady, solution-oriented attitude. Your unflappable demeanor can have a surprisingly calming effect.

The Impatience Advantage: When It (Surprisingly) Works in Your Favor

Believe it or not, having an impatient boss can have hidden upsides. Here’s how you can flip their restlessness to your benefit:

Lightning-Fast Decision Making: When you need a quick approval or sign-off, you’ve got it. Forget those agonizing weeks of waiting for responses buried in someone’s inbox — your impatient boss is on it.

Ruthless Prioritization Champion: They instinctively gravitate towards the most critical tasks. This gives you laser-focus and frees you from getting bogged down in less-important minutiae.

Accidental Delegation Guru: An impatient boss might be more inclined to delegate tasks they feel are “taking too long.” This is your opportunity to shine and gain valuable experience in new areas.

A Note on “Constructive Impatience”

Sometimes, our boss’s impatience is justified. It’s vital to be discerning. Can you pinpoint instances where their annoyance is a result of outside pressures, real obstacles, or a genuine need to advance a high-stakes project? In these cases, leaning into their sense of urgency and becoming truly results-driven can bolster your reputation and build trust.

When to Draw the Line: Protecting Your Well-Being

Let’s be clear: chronic impatience can create a toxic work environment. It’s crucial to recognize when you need to advocate for yourself:

Set Respectful Boundaries: Phrases like, “I appreciate the urgency, but to ensure the highest quality outcome, I need a bit more time,” can be surprisingly effective in setting reasonable expectations.

Document Everything: Keep meticulous records of shifting deadlines, project changes, and communication with your boss. This empowers you if things escalate.

Seek Allies Within Reason: Discreetly confide in trusted colleagues or an understanding HR representative. This is not to gossip but gauge whether this is a systemic issue and seek support if needed.

Final Thought: Reframing Your Perspective

Working for an impatient boss is challenging, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for professional growth. By practicing patience (yes, the irony is delicious), demonstrating proactivity, and honing your communication skills, you’ll emerge a more adaptable, resilient professional.

Besides, in a few years, you’ll have hilarious cocktail party stories about the boss who couldn’t wait for the microwave to finish before opening the popcorn bag. And hey, those stories are practically promotions in the making.