Because every workplace needs a hint of passive-aggressiveness.

No one sets out to intentionally annoy their boss. Why risk your job over that? Sometimes, whether due to a mistake on your part or your boss’s own quirks, one-sided tension can start to build up. Most professionals won’t blatantly show their disapproval for their colleagues, but there are subtle signs that could indicate your boss dislikes you.

Do you find your boss constantly hovering around you during work hours, “checking in” on you? While some bosses lean towards micromanaging naturally, if they’re just loitering around you without reason, they might be looking for a reason to be mad at you. They might ask you leading or loaded questions in an attempt to uncover a weakness. Your best bet is to respond to their queries to the best of your ability and try to stay calm.

Conversely, does it feel like your boss is actively avoiding interacting with you? Are you consistently overlooked for new tasks and opportunities? Have you even laid eyes on your boss recently? They could be trying to steer clear of you or decrease your involvement in the company to minimize their interactions with you. For some reason, they seem to prefer keeping you away from important matters.

So, what can you do in such a situation? While it may not be a pleasant thought, you might have to arrange a formal meeting with your boss to address this issue directly. Avoid catching them off guard in the break room; handle it in a professional setting to prevent giving your boss more reasons to be upset. Hopefully, you can have a mature conversation and navigate towards a sensible resolution.