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When people talk about leadership, about the skills exercised as a leader or department head, they usually discuss the positive aspects and the techniques that have led to success

But very few are able to analyse the elements that lead to toxic environments, stress and mistrust.

When dealing with a boss who can create stress for employees, it is useful to keep these tips in mind:

- Understand your boss

In many cases, stress is the result of poor communication between co-workers or a lack of understanding of the objectives set, or the way the boss wants to work. 

With regard to the way of working, each professional follows internal guidelines that they try to follow to the letter every day. It is very important for employees to know in detail how their boss works and in what way they can satisfy him or her, so that there is a real appearance that the department works in a coordinated and solvent way. 

- Be a cog, not a cog in the wheel

When stress arises in a work team, it can be externalised or internalised. It is best for an employee who suffers stress because of his or her boss to try not to show it during work. 

Although this is a difficult action to undertake in practice, it will help to maintain a constructive working atmosphere, since the task of all professionals is to achieve the proposed objectives, but at the same time to maintain a collective spirit that allows them to overcome the unforeseen challenges that may arise. 

An unhinged and stressed worker can become a real burden for the team, as well as an impediment to the development of creativity and innovation within the department. Therefore, it is always advisable to reach out and work with a positive attitude. 

Negativism leads nowhere.

- Find a relevant niche in the team

In addition to performing all tasks on time, employees must be able to contribute something more, they must learn to be indispensable in the eyes of their bosses. 

Multitasking lawyers, who carry out work in different areas in the same working day, are becoming more and more common. Each employee must be able to evolve during his or her professional experience and realise which tasks could enhance his or her department. This factor will be positively observed by the boss. 

A good way to combat the stress generated in the office is by helping other co-workers. A good worker pays attention to everything that is going on in the same department; to observe if there are colleagues who need help, or if they see a need in the firm and to tell their boss about it (always in a constructive way).

There are many ways to combat the stress generated by a department leader or manager, but the advice given in this article is easily applicable in any organisation, whether it is a law firm or a dental clinic.