Most of us have worked for at least one Horrible Boss (HB).
Why do they act that way? It takes as much effort to be not so nice, as it does to be a great person. This normally stems from lack of confidence or the need to micromanage. For some reason, HB feels compelled to control everything.
Here are a few signs you work for a horrible boss. If you’re the HB, I offer a few “1 Degree” changes you can make based on The Leadership Challenge model and the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership.
Fear Factor
The HB threatens there’s going to be hell to pay if you don’t shape up! They put down people in public, hoping to instill fear to increase performance. The fact of the matter is, because of your leadership style, the team is doing the minimum. They’re doing just enough to keep their jobs until a new one comes along.
1 Degree Change – If you’re the leader, and have a problem with a constituent, meet with them one on one to find out what’s getting in the way. Be empathetic. Do they have all the tools they need to win? Are you Enabling Others to Act? Make sure to equip your people so they can operate at their highest level. Everyone has an “A” game, make it a goal to bring out the best in each player.
All Talk and No Action
HB constantly boasts about all the changes they’re going to make and never follows through. When the team asks how they’re going to make these changes happen, HB makes one excuse after another. Yet, the moment a constituent doesn’t follow through, HB is the first one to complain.
1 Degree Change – As the leader, your team is watching everything you say and do. Your credibility factor is being scrutinized 24/7. Are you Modeling the Way? Each day, set a personal example as to what’s expected. Do What You Say You Will Do DWYSYWD.
Where’s the Kudos?
HB wants everyone to operate at the top of their game, day in and day out. HB will pounce on you like a cheetah on a slow gazelle the moment things don’t go as planned. On the other hand, when you do a stellar job, HB says things like “What’s next?” or “It’s about time!” or “That was an easy one.”
1 Degree Change – People like to be stroked when they do a good job. In The Leadership Challenge program it’s called Encourage the Heart. Everyone likes to be rewarded in their own way. For some it’s a plaque, others it’s a gift certificate, and some team members prefer a simple thank you in private.
Studies show the number one reason people leave organizations is because of their managers. They’re stressed and can’t stand their HB. If you think you’re a HB, start implementing these one degree changes today. Your team will be glad you did.
Have you ever worked for a HB? How did you handle the situation? Please comment below. Thanks.
Steve,
Nice picture! Horrible Bosses had some really funny parts in it.
And this is so true:
“Studies show the number one reason people leave organizations is because of their managers.”
It’s amazing how different an organization’s culture can be when managed the first way in the three examples and the second way in the three examples after the “1 Degree” changes you mention are made. Employee morale, motivation, and productivity will likely be completely different.
And since employees have a huge impact on the quality of the products and services that an organization provides, these management techniques can be the difference between business success and failure.
I enjoyed the movie as well. ;-p
Great point Greg. If the team is stressed or unhappy, how can they deliver quality products and services to customers?
The team mimics the leaders behavior. How the leader shows up goes directly to the bottom line.
#2 is a special peeve of mine. People who constantly talk “big ideas” — often the same ones over and over — but never make a move to actually implement them. And everyone rolls their eyes like they’re hearing that story Uncle Phil tells every Thanksgiving!
So true Rob. These so called “leaders” don’t realize they lose credibility every time they open their pie hole.