Ever feel like your boss is on a power trip? You’re not alone. But before you start labeling every annoying thing they do as “power-tripping,” take a step back.
Not every bossy move is about power. Sometimes, it’s just a different leadership style—or maybe they’re just having a bad day.
But real power-tripping? That’s when your boss seems more interested in flexing their authority than actually leading. It’s frustrating, stressful, and can make you dread going to work.
But you don’t have to lose your cool—or your dignity. You can handle it.
Practical Ways to Handle A Power-tripping Boss
Here are ten practical ways to deal with a power-tripping boss.
1. Understand What Power-Tripping Is
Before you start thinking your boss is power-tripping, let’s clarify what that actually means.
Power-tripping is when someone uses their authority to control or belittle others just because they can. It’s not about getting the job done; it’s about showing off their power.
Imagine this: You ask for a day off, and your boss makes you jump through hoops just to get it. They ask for a detailed report on why you need the day off, even though company policy just requires 24 hours’ notice. That’s power-tripping.
Now, compare that to a boss who’s strict about deadlines. They might seem tough, but they’re doing it because they want the team to succeed. They’re not making you stay late because they can—they’re doing it to meet a deadline. It’s not fun, but it’s not power-tripping.
The difference? Intent.
If your boss is making life hard just to remind you who’s in charge, that’s power-tripping. If they’re pushing you hard for a good reason, it’s probably just their style. Knowing the difference is key. It helps you figure out the best way to respond.
2. Stay Calm and Composed
When you’re dealing with a power-tripping boss, it’s easy to lose your cool. But losing your temper only makes things worse. It gives the power-trippers exactly what they want—proof that they can get under your skin.
So what should you do instead? Stay calm. Take a deep breath. Count to ten—hell, count to a hundred if you need to.
Let’s say your boss just gave you an impossible deadline. Instead of panicking or snapping back, pause. Collect yourself. Then calmly explain the situation: “I want to make sure I deliver quality work. Can we discuss how to prioritize this project?”
Staying composed shows that you’re in control, even when they’re trying to push your buttons. It’s a power move of your own—only you’re using calm, not force.
Read: 22 Ways to Work Under Pressure
3. Practice Assertive Communication
Speaking up to a power-tripping boss can be intimidating, but it’s important to do it right. It’s a skill you can learn.
Be assertive. Be clear, direct, and respectful.
Your boss assigns you extra work right before the weekend, even though you’ve already got a full plate. Instead of saying nothing and just piling it on, or blowing up in frustration, try being assertive.
You could say, “I’m committed to getting my work done, but with my current workload, I won’t be able to complete this by Monday. Can we discuss a realistic deadline?”
Notice how this approach doesn’t back down, but it also doesn’t attack. You’re standing up for yourself while still showing respect. Assertive communication is like setting boundaries with words.
Let your boss know where you stand without turning it into a battle.
4. Build Self-Awareness
When you’re dealing with a power-tripping boss, it’s easy to start doubting yourself. I’ve been there.
Early in my career, I had a boss who seemed on a mission to make my life difficult. She demanded things that didn’t even make sense for my role. Criticizing my work in front of others seemed to be her way of showing who’s boss.
At the time, I didn’t understand why she was so hard on me. Later, I found out that students were comparing her teaching style to mine, and she didn’t like the comparison. I was fresh out of school, and she made it clear that, in her eyes, I wasn’t qualified.
I began to doubt myself, feeling like an impostor. It affected everything—the way I taught, the way I saw myself. But then I remembered how I used to handle power-trippers in other situations. I realized that the key to dealing with people like this is self-awareness.
When you’re aware of how their behavior affects you, you can start to take control. You stop reacting and start being proactive. You recognize the doubt creeping in and push back against it, reminding yourself of your worth.
For me, this shift made all the difference. By the end of that year, despite everything, I was ranked among the best teachers.
Self-awareness is your shield against the effects of a power-tripping boss. It helps you see the situation clearly, recognize your strengths, and stay grounded in your value.
5. Set Boundaries Respectfully
Setting boundaries with a power-tripping boss can be tough, especially when you’re trying to maintain a good working relationship. But it’s necessary if you want to keep your sanity and protect your personal time.
I’ve had my fair share of experiences where boundaries were tested.
One time, the Dean tried to convince me to give a passing grade to a student who rarely attended class. He hinted it was a one-time favor because the student’s father was his friend. But I knew the student had failed, and I had already contacted his parents multiple times. I politely declined, reminding him of the lessons he had taught me about fairness.
Another time, a supervisor had a habit of piling extra work on me every Friday, expecting it to be done by Monday. At first, I didn’t know how to say no, and my personal life took a hit.
Then I read a book on setting boundaries. The next time my supervisor tried to dump extra work on me at the last minute, I politely but clearly told her that I wouldn’t be able to complete it by Monday. I suggested a more realistic deadline and stuck to it.
Setting boundaries doesn’t mean you’re being difficult or uncooperative. It’s about respecting your own time and energy while still being professional.
When you set boundaries respectfully, you show that you’re in control of your workload and that you value your well-being.
6. Use Adaptive Conflict Handling
Not every conflict with a power-tripping boss needs to turn into a full-blown showdown. Sometimes, the best approach is to adapt your strategy to the situation.
Think of conflict like a dance—you have to know when to move forward, when to step back, and when to change the rhythm.
If your boss is pushing you in a way that’s unreasonable, you don’t always have to push back with equal force. Instead, consider the bigger picture and adapt your approach.
For example, let’s say your boss suddenly changes the scope of a project at the last minute, piling on extra work. You could confront them head-on about how unfair it is, but that might escalate things unnecessarily. Instead, calmly point out the change and ask for a discussion about how to prioritize the new tasks.
You’re not backing down—you’re being smart about how you manage the situation. Stay flexible and choose the best way to respond in each situation.
Read: Adaptive Conflict Handling
7. Find Empathy for Your Boss
It might sound strange, but even a power-tripping boss is just a person—often under a lot of stress, dealing with pressures from higher-ups, or wrestling with their insecurities.
It’s easy to forget this when you’re on the receiving end of their behavior, but trying to see things from their perspective can make a big difference.
I once knew a supervisor who made life difficult for her staff, especially those pursuing advanced degrees. She saw anyone with outstanding performance as a threat to her position. Then there was another boss who always focused on what was wrong with a project. No one ever felt appreciated. Her insecurities were driving her behavior.
Empathy doesn’t mean justifying their actions, but it does help you navigate it. When you try to see the world through their eyes, you might find new ways to handle the situation and even defuse some of the power struggles.
8. Document Your Interactions
When you’re dealing with a power-tripping boss, it’s important to protect yourself.
One of the best ways to do this is by keeping a record of your interactions. Documenting gives you a clear, factual account of what’s happening—crucial if things escalate.
Let’s say your boss frequently assigns you tasks with unrealistic deadlines and then blames you when they’re not met. Instead of relying on memory, start documenting everything. When you receive an assignment, note the date, details of the task, and the deadline. If your boss criticizes your work, write down exactly what was said and when.
This isn’t about being paranoid; it’s about being prepared. If your boss’s behavior ever crosses a line where you need to involve HR, having detailed records can make all the difference.
Documentation helps you stay in control, especially when dealing with someone who thrives on shifting blame.
9. Seek Support When Needed
Sometimes, dealing with a power-tripping boss can feel overwhelming. You might do everything right—stay calm, communicate assertively, set boundaries—and still find yourself struggling.
When that happens, remember you don’t have to handle it alone. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness; it’s a smart move.
Support can come from a trusted colleague who understands the situation, HR, or even a mentor. If the situation is serious, it might be time to involve HR. Before you do, make sure you have your documentation ready.
You’re not alone in this. Reaching out for support is a way to take care of yourself and ensure you’re not navigating these challenges in isolation.
10. Know When to Walk Away
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a power-tripping boss won’t change. You’ve tried staying calm, setting boundaries, and seeking support, but nothing improves.
When you’ve exhausted all your options, it’s important to recognize that you might need to walk away.
Leaving a job is never an easy decision, but your mental health, well-being, and professional growth are more important than staying in a toxic environment.
Walking away doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It shows that you value yourself enough to seek out a better situation.
Before making any decisions, evaluate your options. Update your resume, start networking, and explore opportunities that align with your goals. Once you have a plan, make the transition with confidence.
Remember, leaving a toxic environment can open doors to new opportunities where you’re appreciated and respected.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a power-tripping boss can feel like an uphill battle, but you have more control than you might think. By understanding what power-tripping really is, staying calm, communicating assertively, and setting boundaries, you can protect your peace of mind.
Building self-awareness and empathy allows you to navigate the situation with grace, while documenting your interactions and seeking support ensures you’re not alone.
And if you’ve done all this and nothing changes, know that walking away is not a defeat—it’s a decision to prioritize your well-being. You deserve a work environment where you’re respected and valued, not one where you’re constantly on guard against a power trip.
You have the tools to handle this. Learn, grow, and take control of your career. Trust that you have the strength and wisdom to choose what’s best for you.
