Throughout your career, whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder in some big corporation or you’re working for a small enterprise, you will meet a few types of bosses. Every one of them will have their own unique ways of doing things and you’ll surely have to learn how to deal with them!
Take a look at these 8 most common types of bosses you will encounter at work and tips on how to deal with them:
1. The Dictator
Who is this?
Extracting the root words of the title, this boss is quite literally on the upper seat. He can be the ultimate risk taker and can be nosy on everything. At the same time, this boss can be poor in terms of communication.
How to get along:
Since this type of boss can be nosy while being bad at communication, a good suggestion is to make all forms of negotiation, conversation, and the like, documented. This can be done through emails, messages, written notes etc. If it works well, make sure you put everything in written form.
Dealing with this kind of boss- ‘the ultimate boss’- is relatively easy if you are doing your job properly. Just watch on the red flags!
2. The Negative Energy
Who is this?
Exactly the epitome of a crazy scenario when all you feel is the effect of his/her negativity. This boss is definitely a minus sign in mathematics. Being negative, they do not listen to other people’s feedback and tend to be overly critical of others and their accomplishments. This boss puts himself on a pedestal which ‘can’t be reached’ by his constituents.
How to get along:
Since this boss tends to be so full of himself, you should do three things to get along with them: 1) Communicate 2) Anticipate and 3) Model. Learn how to communicate even if it’s hard, so you know where the nagging is coming from. Anticipate possible problems or complaints by being proactive in each situation. Lastly, be a role model in terms of behavior and anger management when things go wrong- stay calm, positive and work through solutions to the problem.
3. The Sacrificial Lamb
Who is this?
This boss is honestly the nicest boss you’ll ever meet. He can be very warm and kind-hearted. However, emotions take so much of his being that he can be unproductive or make illogical decisions. This boss tends to manage things based on his gut and emotions. It becomes inappropriate when this boss uses too much of their heart over brain. Hence, they may be indecisive and unable to make plans or decisions objectively.
How to get along:
As employee, you can always express suggestions or politely say no to your boss, if given permission. Making decisions based on your gut and emotions is not bad at all. However, being able to balance it with your mind is best. Dealing with this boss may give you the chance of abusing his kindness. Be fair enough not to do that.
4. The Autocratic
Who is this?
This boss is the typical crazy boss- controls everything and always in charge, with a short fuse. What a control freak, right? Autocratic bosses tend to micromanage employees. It can be toxic and stressful to work under such bosses.
How to get along:
Foremost, do not be too sensitive. If this boss is known to bully his employees and workmates, do not be surprised if you’re also put on the hot seat. It may be his daily routine to annoy and intimidate people. Do not let his attitude affect you and your performance. Show that you are doing your job and always willing to help, so you can be trusted and can calm the fire when it is blazing up.
5. The Pressure Cooker
Who is this?
The thing about bosses who are like pressure cookers?- they add competitiveness to everything. Not just most but every. single. thing. They set high goals and standards in the workplace for everyone to achieve. They tend to be extremely demanding and pile a lot of pressure on employees.
How to get along:
For bosses like this, be nosy. Whatever they ask you to do, ask questions until you run out. You have to ask detailed questions about his expectations so you can meet them. Asking more will help you to get the job done. Remember, this type of boss should be able to answer these questions as they have probably solved the problem before!
6. The Fairy God Mother/Father
Who is this?
This boss can be your quick guide to solutions and everything in between. Got stuck on something in terms of operations? He/she has got your back immediately. A Fairy God indeed, these types are usually the ones who will rescue you when the boat is sinking, as long as you are on the right side. They are empathic and always ready to help.
How to get along:
Since these bosses are the types who will really help you regularly, make sure you return the favor and don’t take it for granted. When you are needed, be available to help back. They may not be asking for it explicitly, but they might be expecting it, so be fair and have their back too.
7. The Party Popper
Who is this?
The party popper is the life of the party. Contrary to The Negative Energy, this boss brings sunshine to your day- raining or not! They radiate positivity and spread their happy vibes throughout the office. This boss is also a “yes person.” He is outgoing and often invites employees for lunch, dinner and even parties. Pretty cool, isn’t it?
How to get along:
Party poppers serve as sunshine each day. What they expect from employees is simply participation. In other words, don’t kill the joy.- take part and have more fun at work. Try to immerse yourself in the experiences they introduce. They like making people happy, so why not be with them? Enjoy the parties and dine-outs!
8. The Walking Dollar
Who is this?
This boss is basically the one who treats everyone during pay day or even regular days. He sees simple achievements to be celebrated. TGIF? Lunch is on them! When this boss goes to places, it is normal that he would bring goodies for everyone in the office.
How to get along:
Try returning the favor by doing small things for him or bringing in pasalubongs too- no matter how big or small, it’s the thought that counts!
Bosses can have many different kinds of personalities at work. Good or bad, people should realize that these bosses are human too, and they can be different personalities outside of work. At the end of each day, remember that “when it’s work, it’s work”. No matter how many bad experiences you get from your boss, always make sure it’s just at work and try not to let it affect your personal relationship with them.
Find these tips useful? We have more career advice, workplace tips, and job search tips on our blog. Don’t forget to check them out!
