Learn how to deal with an unsupportive boss in aviation and improve your relationship. Follow these tips on identifying the problem, seeking a solution, showing your value, and more.

First place to start is identify the list of things you respect about them (genuinely) and have that in your mind when you speak to them. This has a subtle, yet powerful, effect. It just warms the whole relationship and communication up.

Your boss is not supportive. How can you get them to change their mind?

Working in aviation can be challenging, rewarding, and exciting, but it can also be frustrating and stressful if your boss is not supportive of your goals, needs, or ideas. Whether you are a pilot, a mechanic, a flight attendant, or any other role in the industry, you deserve to have a boss who respects your expertise, listens to your feedback, and helps you grow professionally. But how can you get your boss to change their mind if they are not supportive? Here are some tips to try.

1 Identify the problem

The first step is to identify the specific problem or issue that is causing your boss to be unsupportive. Is it a lack of communication, a clash of personalities, a difference of opinions, a misunderstanding of expectations, or something else? Try to be objective and honest about the situation, and avoid making assumptions or accusations. You may also want to ask for feedback from your colleagues, peers, or mentors to get a different perspective.

Add your perspective

Sue Ingram

Leadership Development | Coach | Speaker | Trainer
(edited)
Report contribution
Interesting. Bosses should, of course, be supportive as when you win they win. But what exactly do you mean by supportive? Remember they have a job to do. Targets and KPIs to hit and a boss themselves (if they are the owner the 'boss' is the customer). Their focus will always be on that. And not on what you want/need next in your career. The thing to consider is 'Is there a win/win here? Where I win and they win?' And that thinking starts with knowing what winning looks like for them. Do you know? If not you are being unfair. Expecting them to be supportive whilst you don't even know, or respect, what their needs/wants are. If there is not a win/win then sadly it is your responsibility to find a place where all parties will win.

Like

2 Seek a solution

The next step is to seek a solution that works for both you and your boss. This may involve having a constructive conversation, finding a compromise, setting clear goals and boundaries, or seeking mediation or assistance from a third party. The key is to approach the problem with a positive attitude, a willingness to listen and learn, and a willingness to adapt and change. You may also want to highlight the benefits of having a supportive boss, such as improved performance, morale, and satisfaction.

Add your perspective

Sue Ingram

Leadership Development | Coach | Speaker | Trainer
Report contribution
Find out what winning looks like for your boss and then help them achieve. Demonstrate your clear understanding and willingness to put effort and ideas into helping them. Once you have demonstrated that then introduce your needs and wants and how helping you achieve will aid their achievements and make them look good! Win / win all the way!

Like

3 Show your value

The third step is to show your value to your boss and the organization. This means demonstrating your skills, knowledge, and achievements, as well as your potential for growth and improvement. You can do this by taking on new challenges, volunteering for extra tasks, sharing your ideas and insights, and asking for feedback and guidance. You can also show your value by being respectful, professional, and cooperative with your boss and your teammates, and by acknowledging their contributions and efforts.

Add your perspective

Sue Ingram

Leadership Development | Coach | Speaker | Trainer
Report contribution
Give them what you want first. Respect (identify a list of things you genuinely respect about them), listen, be open-minded, be curious, contribute your best self, want them to win. When you have done that then you can ask for the same in return. If they do not appreciate, or reciprocate, despite your best efforts then find someone who will. Someone will have noticed your great work!

Like

4 Build trust and rapport

The fourth step is to build trust and rapport with your boss. This means establishing a positive and respectful relationship, based on mutual understanding and appreciation. You can do this by communicating regularly and effectively, showing interest and curiosity, expressing gratitude and recognition, and finding common ground and interests. You can also build trust and rapport by being honest, reliable, and consistent, and by avoiding conflicts and gossip.

Add your perspective

Sue Ingram

Leadership Development | Coach | Speaker | Trainer
Report contribution
First place to start is identify the list of things you respect about them (genuinely) and have that in your mind when you speak to them. This has a subtle, yet powerful, effect. It just warms the whole relationship and communication up.

Like

5 Seek support and advice

The fifth step is to seek support and advice from others who can help you deal with your boss. This may include your colleagues, peers, mentors, friends, or family. You can also seek support and advice from professional sources, such as coaches, counselors, or trainers. These people can offer you emotional support, practical tips, constructive feedback, and alternative perspectives. They can also help you cope with stress, frustration, or anxiety that may arise from having an unsupportive boss.

Add your perspective

6 Know your options

The final step is to know your options if your boss does not change their mind or behavior. This means being aware of the possible consequences, risks, and opportunities that may result from your situation. You may decide to stay and try to make the best of it, to look for a different role or department within the organization, or to seek a new job or career elsewhere. Whatever you choose, make sure you weigh the pros and cons carefully, and that you have a clear plan and a backup plan.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Your boss is not supportive. How can you get them to change their mind?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify the problem

2 Seek a solution

3 Show your value

4 Build trust and rapport

5 Seek support and advice

6 Know your options

7 Here’s what else to consider

Aviation

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Aviation

More relevant reading