Summarize this article in one sentence.
Even if your boss becomes emotional, you want to maintain your professional manner so that he cannot use anything against you. Note that your boss may become even more aggravated by your calm and professional demeanor, and if this is the case, explain to your boss that you would like to continue the conversation, but the last thing you want is to upset him, so suggest picking up the issue at a later time. If you lose your cool, your boss can blame you, even if you're upset over something completely legitimate. If you find yourself getting emotional in the middle of a conversation, excuse yourself and ask to resume the conversation at a later time. If you hear yourself raising your voice, stop, slow down, and take a few deep breaths. If you can't keep the conversation at a normal level, then you should resume it later. Of course you have issues that you may want to discuss personally, but if he feels that you are criticizing him, he may turn the tables and place the focus on you. If this is the case, be professional. Listen to his concerns and tell him that you appreciate his feedback and that you will work on the issues, and then politely return to the problems you have. Don't get defensive or ignore anything he is telling you. In fact, it can be helpful to ask yourself if you're doing everything you can correctly before you start a conversation with your boss. You may be having problems with your boss because you have been doing something wrong without realizing it. It's best to anticipate anything your boss might say, such as the fact that you're always late or that your reports need to be proofread more, before you start the conversation. Otherwise, you may be taken aback. Don't interrupt your boss and wait for him to finish giving his feedback. You don't want him to think that you're above listening to him. A difficult boss will be at their worst when you've made a major mistake, but you may be able to partly salvage the situation by handling failure at work with honesty and integrity. If your boss is characteristically difficult to handle, not just for you but for others, then the likelihood of him changing is minimal. If this is the case, use the opportunity to simply make him aware of your issues. At least he cannot say that he was never informed of your concerns. Though you can't change your boss or his personality, hopefully talking to your boss will send him on the path to improvement. Furthermore, you can work on improving your relationship without changing your boss. You and your boss may just not be compatible as people. If this is the case, then you'll have to find a new way to operate together unless you feel like you have exhausted all of your resources. Sometimes, you may have to accept your differences first before you move on. Maintain a calm demeanor and be prepared to listen to any gripes or lectures that he or she may want to share with you. Don't use vulgar language or personal attacks, and don't be lewd or say anything you would say if you were fighting with a close friend. Remember that you have a professional relationship with this person, not a personal relationship. Even if your boss starts being unprofessional, don't use that as an excuse to follow suit. If you have something specific to say to your boss, you may even want to write it down or rehearse it first to make sure that it comes off as professional. You don't want to start saying something and then realize that you're stepping out of your bounds halfway through your conversation. Not only will this cause hostility between you and your boss, but your boss's boss may refer you back to your boss, which may result in an even more unreceptive situation. You should go over your boss's head if you feel like you have tried everything with your boss but nothing has worked. Additionally, you can go over your boss's head if you feel that your boss is being sexually inappropriate, discriminating against you based on your age, gender, race, or another external factor, and that further action needs to be taken outside of your boss's power. If you go over your boss's head at the first sign of a conflict, then you will cause irreparable damage to your relationship. If you can try talking to your boss before talking to someone else, it can save your relationship, as well as your happiness at work.

Summary:
Refrain from becoming emotional during any discussions with your boss. Be prepared to discuss criticism of yourself when approaching a difficult boss with concerns. Understand that you cannot change your boss. Remain professional when confronting your boss, even if you feel your blood boiling. Do not go over your boss's head if you can avoid it.