A few years ago, I used to subscribe to a weekly HR newsletter. Every other week, it would carry an article on bosses, including the rotten lot. There were examples of the stereotypical boss behavior that mirrored my own experiences and I lapped it all up with glee.
Eventually, I grew up the ranks to become a ‘boss’ myself and lost my enthusiasm for such articles as I was now under the scanner myself. And the next thing I know, I'm presented with an opportunity to add my bit to a topic that may have spurred the most number of debates, surveys and analyses in the history of HR. Simply irresistible!
As the lore goes...
A ubiquitous green-eyed monster with two horns – if you were asked about your boss, chances are that you would conjure up this image. That is, if you are like most people who have had experiences they would love to forget.
Bosses have traditionally been unpopular and for good reason too.Their unpredictable moods, contemptuous attitudes, temper tantrums and actions that are incongruent with most theories on people management, are known to have the power to drive people out of their senses. They simply don’t seem to get it, do they?
Moving away from stereotyping
There are also bosses who breathe goodwill. What it takes is a common goal or sheer sense of propriety to pave the way for a great boss-subordinate relationship. But they continue to be an exception than the rule as it takes a lot of maturity to rise above the ego and respect the subordinate for mutual benefit.
Good bosses may be a minority, but the fact is that they do exist, which is why it would be very unwise to portray bosses negatively at the drop of a hat.
An ‘Inconvenient Truth’
Bosses can play a beneficial role in your professional life even if they don’t will it and more importantly, if you stop judging them from the viewpoint of the extremist. In other words, if you can relate to your bosses more objectively and less emotionally, you can build at least a “working relationship,” which is certain to do you some good over the long haul.
Bosses cannot be wished away. And what cannot be wished away had best be acknowledged. Call it an Inconvenient Truth.
Taking the bull by the horns
Picture this. Your boss wakes up each morning, looks at the image in the mirror and declares “I vow to make the lives of my subordinates miserable. I shall enjoy harassing them and drowning them in work till they break down into tears and beg for mercy! Ho ho ho.”
Ludicrous, isn’t it? Bosses do not come in to work each day with an “agenda” against you. They have enough on their plates already.
If you are having problems dealing with your boss, do something about it.
Facing your boss squarely. Give your boss a chance to explain those behaviors that distress you. You may be surprised to know that bosses often carry their “personal baggage” into the workplace. Definitely, this is not an excuse for bad behaviour. But then again, they are only human and they may be ignorant of the consequences of their behavior. Besides, your boss may respect you for taking the intiative in this matter.
(There is also an easy way out – Whine and crib to a third person. While you do get an outlet for the pent up frustration, a word of caution on what you share and with whom).
Seeking management intervention. If confronting your boss does not help, waste no time in approaching the next level of management. It is in the management interest to resolve relationship issues, as inaction can cause an irreversible dip in your morale and faith in the system.
The outcome of managerial intervention could vary from a gentle reprimand to a departmental transfer. Whatever be the outcome, if your concerns are addressed, thank the management and re-affirm your commitment to the organization.
Taking a stance. Managements built on strong value systems will show courage by taking tough decisions against your boss, even if the latter happens to be a top performer. But if business exigencies are allowed to take precedence over everything else, see if you can pull on at work like a lonely warrior. If not, it may be time to search for an employer who walks the talk on “employee engagement.”
What the organization can do on its part.
Sensitivity in grievance handling. Many subordinates may hesistate to approach management with a boss-related grievance for fear of a backlash. An earnest and empathetic approach will go a long way in encouraging subordinates to speak up.
Rigorous policy implementation. Bosses deriving pleasure from troubling subordinates is rare but not unheard of. The organization should respond with “zero tolerance” to such cases – no matter what position of importance the boss holds in the organizational chart.
Evaluation of boss ‘competency’. Bosses are talented individuals who got promoted for their individual achievements. But not all of them are naturally good at people management. Leadership workshops with regular follow-ups are indispensable if the organization desires ‘competent’ bosses that are home-grown.
Self-introspection. Bosses are often victims of organizational work pressures. Handling management as well as subordinate expectations requires a delicate balancing act. Bad decisions and poor leadership often stem from an inability to handle pressure and stress. The organization can respond by re-creating a work environment where bosses are driven to reach great heights without there being negative fallouts on the subordinates.
Finally – unleashing your sense of humor!
Attitude and humor can make a world of difference to your work life. If your boss is errant, you know what NOT to be yourself! Examples? A short-tempered boss can help you inculcate patience. The lazy one may get the job done through you, but that will help hone your own skills . The untrustworthy boss teaches you an invaluable lesson on survival at the workplace!
If you are spending more than one-third of your day at the workplace, you owe it to yourself to make it as pleasant as possible. The image of a green-eyed monster can make you chuckle – if only you let your sense of humor get the better of you.
Chillibreeze's disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article.
Out of 5 “chilies”, our editorial team gave this article...
—About our writer:
"An individual of myriad attributes, Deepa can surprise you with her liveliness as much as her philosophical and slightly sombre outlook towards life. Besides an innate passion for writing, Deepa enjoys dabbling in classical dance and instrumental music (Carnatic), cooking and "attempting" to stay fit!"
>> Read more articles written by Chillibreeze writers:
Chillibreeze offers Indian writers the opportunity to work on customer projects. We are also India’s biggest writer network and a one-stop shop for Indian writers and editors. The writers’ section on Chillibreeze offers freelance writers and editors a variety of tools to advance their careers. Resources for writers include:
