Gone is the era when being a boss was equivalent to being a hard taskmaster. When either you conformed, or you left! As the focus shifts from machines and production to knowledge and people, the responsibilities of leaders are ever increasing. The boss has to now act as boss, coach, mentor and leader as well. Bosses who have been able to make the shift successfully make great leaders. Here is a little information on the kinds of bosses you may encounter at work, and ways to deal with them.
The Hard Taskmaster/Slave Driver Boss:
If you find yourself constantly trying to catch up with never ending piles of work on your desk, you are probably tied up with a Slave Driver Boss. This kind of boss will constantly overload his subordinates with work, and complain when the work is not satisfactorily done. If an employee performs well 98% of the time, this boss will focus on complaining about the remaining 2%.
The only way to deal with such a boss is to speak up. Without sounding whining, complaining or lazy, tell your boss that you are overloaded with work. If you dont, he will naturally assume that your workload is justified, even if difficult. You may suggest alternatives like hiring temp, or asking someone else in the department to chip in.
The Office Bully/Overly Aggressive Boss:
This may be the worst kind of boss to have. He yells and screams, torments and insults you in front of the whole staff. He believes that such behavior is required to keep the subordinates in line. He continuously needs to assess your competency and also micromanages your projects.
You cannot change a person, but you can change his/her behavior towards you. Have a private talk with your boss. Tell him that certain behavior (like shouting at you, insulting/mocking you in front of your team etc) is not the effective way for you to be managed. Suggest that he may discuss your mistakes or whatever other issues he has, in private.
The Banyan Tree Boss:
This is the kind of boss who needs a refresher course in Delegation. he believes that only he himself is capable of doing the more important tasks. He therefore does not delegate any responsibility or authority. The only tasks his subordinates are given are simple and repetitive. No subordinate can learn or grow professionally under such a boss.
If you feel you are capable of much more than what you are doing presently, you have to make a case for yourself. Rather than reacting to his lack of delegation, you should be more proactive in your approach. Offer your help on any new projects that he is starting. Tell him about what you would like to do besides your present tasks. Project yourself as a capable and high-potential employee.
The Coach Mentor:
This is the boss of the future. He encourages, delegates and gives continuous feedback. The feedback may be positive/negative depending on your performance and behavior. Instead of asking what you can do for him, he is continuously asking you about how can he make your job easier.
If you have such a boss, consider yourself lucky. You will learn on the job and you will grow immensely under such a boss. Your career graph will rise smoothly and you will find yourself in his position one fine day!!!
No matter which kind of boss you have, there is always a positive way to deal with them. Communication is the key to effectively dealing with your boss.
