We've all been yelled at by our bosses, right?
When your boss yells at you, it's difficult to know how to react and what you should say and do, first and foremost since they're your boss.
Unless they are harassing or pressuring you (in which case you should skip the reaction and go straight to HR/a lawyer), even if they are incorrect on a point of work, they're most likely going to end up being right.
And depending on how they hold grudges and scrutinize you, your reaction could cost you a job or make them ride your ass even harder in the long run.
In many ways, you're obliged to your boss, which means you can't fly off the handle even when you want to. But it doesn't mean you shouldn't defend yourself while they're throwing a temper tantrum.
Your reaction to your boss yelling at you should be determined by the reason why they are yelling at you. Is it your fault? Or are you the victim? Is there yelling out of general annoyance? Or are they specifically targeting you, potentially in an unjust manner?
Cooler heads indeed prevail, so if you begin by determining why there is yelling in the first place, you will be able to navigate a clear reaction to it. Here are some ideas for how to react and what to say when your boss yells at you:
1 Request For A Private Meeting
If someone is yelling, it's typically because they've reached their breaking point. They feel trapped by the problem they're dealing with and may have gotten irrational in dealing with it. Whether your boss's concerns are serious or silly, you can defuse the atmosphere by politely requesting a private meeting to discuss the current meeting. Make it formal: reserve a conference room and a time that day for you two to meet down and discuss the issue, as it is most likely a solved work concern.
2 Explain Yourself
Maintain your cool, but speak up. Inform your boss if he or she is mistaken about something you've done. In your words, avoid becoming vengeful or petty. Maintain objectivity and explain yourself. If your boss demands answers, provide them. Be direct and concise, and stick to the subject without waffling. If you can communicate directly, chances are your shouting boss will cool down and meet you at your pace.
3 Feel Responsible for Your Mistakes
Make no excuses. If you're getting yelled at because you made a mistake, own up to it. Denying your responsibility will simply irritate your boss. When you're in the wrong, don't be argumentative; it won't help you in the long run. Inform your boss that you understand your mistake, are deeply sorry, and will work diligently to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Your angry boss may soften and perhaps feel awful about coming down so hard on you the more contrite you are about your error and the more determined you are to rectify it. Even bosses are human.
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4 Provide a Solution
Whatever is going on, whether it's your fault or something beyond your control, provide a solution. Because yelling stems from frustration, chances are your boss feels trapped and, strangely, is scared of being yelled at by their boss. If you can be creative and take the initiative to move forward, you may be able to offer your supervisor a solution that they could not envision on their own.
5 Never Yell Back
Under no circ*mstances should you yell back at your boss. I once had a boss yell at me for something that wasn't my fault, and I handled it quietly. You can't always take it personally with your boss, and you can't let it go under your skin. I waited until he was done before explaining myself and offering him a solution.
I could have gotten angry and yelled back, but it would have gotten me nowhere. It would not only have enraged him further, but it would have put me in a position where I wasn't. Don't give your angry boss more reasons to be angry. You must be the greater person, even when they should be more professional. It may appear unjust in the short term, but it will benefit you in the long run.
6 Always Follow Up
When there has been a workplace conflict, always follow up to ensure that it has been resolved. After your boss has yelled at you, follow up the next day to ensure that everything is in shape. Stay on top of it, whether it's working toward or finalizing the solution, and demonstrate that you care about your job and making things work. No one likes to be in their boss's bad graces, especially if that boss is prone to going off the handle, so be proactive to regain your good graces.
