The 10 Types Of Nightmare Bosses

I’ve been lucky to have some great bosses over the years (hat-tip to Anita) but I’ve also had some really bad ones. Dealing with difficult or nightmare bosses can be both physically and emotionally draining and unfortunately it can also have a direct impact on your career and your effectiveness.

The following are ten types of nightmare bosses (behaviour patterns) that I’ve come across. In my experience, it’s rare that a bad boss fits the exact stereotype but rather will demonstrate his or her own unique set of unproductive or destructive behaviours. Also, good bosses particularly on bad days or in bad situations can behave badly on occasion. I know I have!

#1. The Indecisive Boss
#2. The Workaholic
#3. The Micro-Manager
#4. The Therapist
#5. The Bull-Shitter
#6. The Bipolar
#7. The Bully
#8. The Dictator
#9. The Politician
#10. The BFF

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10 Things Really Amazing Bosses Do

Are you truly an amazing boss or just a good one? See how many of these 10 traits are natural for you.

1. Good Bosses maintain control and get things done.
Amazing Bosses know efficiency can be the enemy of efficacy in the long run and so they work to create an atmosphere of expansive thinking. They empower their team with time, resources and techniques, to solve big issues with big ideas instead of Band-Aids and checklists.

2. Good Bosses foster a sense of community, making room for everyone.
Amazing Bosses form an internal culture by design rather than default, making sure they attract the right people to get on the bus and then get them in the right seats. They also make sure that the wrong people never get on the bus, or if they do, they get off quickly.

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10 Mistakes to Avoid if You Want a Promotion

Unfortunately, unless you open your own business, chances are high that you are going to have a boss for a rather large portion of your career. And chances are equally high that getting on the wrong side of said boss is not going to do your career any favors. While that certainly doesn't mean that you need to bring your boss a cup of coffee every morning, it does mean that you should probably avoid making any of the following mistakes. After all, you do want to be promoted, right?

Attempting to Hide Problems
Pretending You Know Things You Don't
Regularly Talking Behind His Back
Being Unable to Handle Criticism
Being Full of Excuses
Not Knowing How to Use an Iron
Not Keeping Your Word
Keeping Agendas Hidden
Generally Being Irritating
Showing Zero Initiative

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