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)