EXTREME BOSSES
These individuals have such difficult personalities that you can’t expect to feel successful while working for them. They exhibit extreme behaviours that put the people underneath them in no-win positions. Working for this breed of boss is a losing proposition. Because they are constitutionally incapable of feeling empathy for anyone but themselves, they tend to run roughshod over their employees.
These individuals have such difficult personalities that you can’t expect to feel successful while working for them. They exhibit extreme behaviours that put the people underneath them in no-win positions. Working for this breed of boss is a losing proposition. Because they are constitutionally incapable of feeling empathy for anyone but themselves, they tend to run roughshod over their employees.
The Absentee:
Absentee bosses don’t care about the company or department they oversee because, truth be told, their interests lie elsewhere. Your missing manager may be awaiting retirement, battling a chronic illness or launching a new business. Whatever the distraction is, this apathetic authority gives time and attention to it, not the job.
Absentee bosses let everyone else make the decisions that should fall under their jurisdiction. If you work for an absentee boss, you probably assume responsibilities that extend far beyond your job description. Over time, the Absentee boss’s lack of participation and leadership results in a survivalist work environment. Physically absent and devoid of emotion, these missing leaders secretly feel that life owes them a living.
Absentee bosses let everyone else make the decisions that should fall under their jurisdiction. If you work for an absentee boss, you probably assume responsibilities that extend far beyond your job description. Over time, the Absentee boss’s lack of participation and leadership results in a survivalist work environment. Physically absent and devoid of emotion, these missing leaders secretly feel that life owes them a living.
The Credit Stealer:
Chronically insecure and professionally greedy, these people assume that other people’s ideas are fair game. This workplace robber will tell you that you are part of his or her team; that your contributions are crucial for the team’s success. You’ll be encouraged to share and develop your brilliant suggestions. You’ll be led to believe that your hard work will be rewarded.
Then, without informing you, the Credit Stealer will share your ideas, proposals and suggestions with others, assigning him or herself the role of originator. Should you approach this extreme boss to ask why you did not receive recognition for your ideas, the Credit Stealer will either justify or deny his or her actions. You end up feeling used.
Then, without informing you, the Credit Stealer will share your ideas, proposals and suggestions with others, assigning him or herself the role of originator. Should you approach this extreme boss to ask why you did not receive recognition for your ideas, the Credit Stealer will either justify or deny his or her actions. You end up feeling used.
The Controlling Egomaniac:
Most often found in organisations built on the celebrity or accomplishments of one person, the Controlling Egomaniac is unusually bright and extremely driven. These individuals frequently launch and run organisations that communicate a strong vision and mission statement. Friendly and charming to people who can do something for them, Controlling Egomaniacs make it clear that the institution, company or department they oversee is their show.
A defining characteristic of this kind of boss is insatiable hunger for fame, respect and status. As a result, Controlling Egomaniacs tend to overinflate their abilities and magnify their accomplishments. They’ll cater to anyone — the press, fundraisers, politicians — who can enhance their star quality.
Although the personality of a Controlling Egomaniac is often charismatic and engaging, working for this creature is another story. These are the original micromanagers. They don’t know how to delegate and can’t handle criticism.
Anyone who works for a Controlling Egomaniac must obey the cardinal rule: no one can outshine me.
A defining characteristic of this kind of boss is insatiable hunger for fame, respect and status. As a result, Controlling Egomaniacs tend to overinflate their abilities and magnify their accomplishments. They’ll cater to anyone — the press, fundraisers, politicians — who can enhance their star quality.
Although the personality of a Controlling Egomaniac is often charismatic and engaging, working for this creature is another story. These are the original micromanagers. They don’t know how to delegate and can’t handle criticism.
Anyone who works for a Controlling Egomaniac must obey the cardinal rule: no one can outshine me.
The Unpleasable:
Closely related to the Controlling Egomaniac, this is another extreme boss who can really make your head spin. Gracious at the beginning, this demanding leader will initially endow you with great talent and endless potential. You are a welcome new member to the team. In very short order, however, you begin to feel as if nothing you do is ever good enough. And there is a reason for that. Your new manager is Unpleasable. You notice that from a list of 20 tasks, your supervisor always targets the one item you didn’t complete and frowns in disappointment. People who work for Unpleasable bosses tend to turn sour over time. They resent the way their Unpleasable bosses constantly correct, reject, criticise and find fault with their efforts. “I work my butt off for this person,” you cry. “Why is it never enough?"
Times Online
Extracts from Working With You is Killing Me: Freeing Yourself from Emotional Traps at Work by Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elster. Copyright © 2006 by Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elster. Reprinted by permission of Warner Books, Inc, New York, NY. All rights reserved.
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