BOSSES

What is a boss and how to deal with

them?

Who is the boss? A boss is a person

of authority within an organization

Owner, president, chief executive officer, director of a departmetn, or leader of a team

Common tasks of a boss: Developing goals, strategies, and

benchmarks for the organization Delegating responsibilities,

authority, and resources to ensure that the goals are met

Building relationships with essential customers, suppliers, and other organizations

Common tasks cont.

Monitoring various legal and legislative issues

Implement policies that ensure organizational compliance with law

Conducting periodical reviews of the organization including suppliers

Staffing the organization with qualified employees and awarding periodic raises and promotions to minimize turnover

Developing a Relationship with your boss

Understand your boss’ role in the organization

Be aware of personality traits and conflicts

Be conscious of your boss’ normal schedule

Be supportive of your boss Communicate with your boss

Relationship with your boss, cont.

Listen to your boss Offer to assist your boss Be respectful of your boss’ authority Maintain positive attitude at work Keep the relationship with your boss

professional

Types of bosses MICRO-Manager

boss Likes to control every

detail of a project to ensure that a project is completed correctly

Tends to “spoon feed” information to his employees, requires constant feedback on the progress, and questions the methods utilized by employees in completing the project

HANDS-OFF boss Wants his employee to think

independently When assign a project,

expects little or no interaction with employee until the project is completed

Types of bosses (cont.)

I WANT TO BE YOUR FRIEND boss

A boss that wants to avoid controversy

Offers as much or as little guidance (depending on how much an employee asks for)

If an employee does not complete the task, boss would rather complete it than addressing the concern with the employee

UNDER-QUALIFIED boss

A person that is concerned that s/he lacks the qualifications or credentials

Hires employees that will fill the voids in those qualifications

Provides Little guidance because of belief that employees know how to do the project

Types of bosses (cont.)

OVER-ACHIEVER boss

Expect the employees to work as hard, or harder, than boss

Push employees to try harder and better

Provides all the information needed for a project to be successful

Provides constant feedback

THREATENED boss Insecure in the position and

feels like his/her position as boss is at risk

To maintain control, stick to status quo, and discourage new ideas

Provides exact information how to do a project

Followers will be rewarded, and those who do not will be shunned

Handling Conflicts with your boss-- tips --

Maintain your composure (becoming angry, frustrated, emotional will

worsen the situation) Determine the cause of the conflict Keep the situation in perspective Evaluate possible alternative and resolutions

that you can propose to your boss Discuss the situation with your boss (sit down

and talk)

Dealing with difficult bosses Try to develop a

professional relationship Visit with your boss

about the issue in an non-threatening manner

Use “I” statements If all fails, contact

Human Resources Dept. (but be aware this might cause even more uncomfortably between you and your boss)

Arndt, Terry and John Ricchini: Backpack to briefcase: Steps to a successful career (p. 1-8)