This is a leader we recognize immediately. Stand back and let this big wind blow through because you will get directions and ’suggestions’ which you’d better follow. Most of us have had experience with this type of leader and many of us have worked for one of them. It’s their way or the highway. Stand up and salute and agree and you will prosper. Any interference or defiance means you are not following this leader and you are on your way out, no excuses. The word Boss’ was designed to describe this person. That shaking finger and red face when you slack off will put you in your place and make you feel like dirt. And the lecture will go on and on, explaining how you loafed and didn’t put out your best work.
So is this person a control freak who demands obedience and expects quick compliance? Sometimes,for sure. One of the reasons this leader rises to the top is that he or she charges to the top, taking over, making decisions, and making people agree with them. They are demanding, insistent, and talk over you when you are trying to make your point. People listen because they are colorful and give superb explanations. That’s because they feel they are best at what they do and say. You are lesser and you’d better accept your place.
We don’t like these people—or do we?
Sometimes we need that controlling person who takes charge, accepts responsibility, and doesn’t worry about offending anybody. Sometimes someone has to take the reins and drive the horses to finish the race. There are so many times when most of us just want to lay back, let things work themselves out, and let the dust settle. The boss charges in , sets the pace, and gets us all moving forward. And we do things we never thought we could complete, never could finish. Now when we work for the ‘Boss’ we bitch a lot because we get tired of being treated like children. But we also get a lot of benefit because this leader is always driving towards the new and spectacular which means money in our pockets when the benefits roll in from all that innovation. The Boss actually does look out for employees, almost as if they are dependent children.
I know people who have said they would rather be dead than work for a leader like this. They simply cannot be bullied and charmed into working excess hours, redoing their work because it isn’t perfect, and having that finger waved in the face. But I know an equal amount of people who love working for the Boss because their standard of living and financial reward has been huge working for this leader.
Remember, personality has to do with the effect you have on people. The Boss could be even more effective if he or she could count to 10 before the explosion. If the finger shaking could be minimized and the yelling and screaming could be toned down, the Boss would have even greater influence over others. Instead of making every situation into a crisis, this person would be so much more successful keeping an eye on the main , most pressing situation and delegating the rest to others. The Boss has to understand delegating is essential and other people are capable. YES THEY ARE and you have to give others a chance to be a leader.
Unfortunately, if you are a Boss type leader, you are going to burn out sooner or later because you burn out going 24-7 , always on alert. You are likely to have to force yourself to relax and many times get hooked on booze or drugs to bring you down. Since you are always looking for more excitement, you can get yourself in trouble in your marriage. Because you are so bossy, you can drive your children away from you and end up lonely in your older years. No one is willing to listen to you anymore because they don’t have to.
Boss Leader, beware. You do so much good and yet can end up destroying everything you built up by not being able to calm down , continuing to command everything and everyone around you. You have what is considered one of the strongest, forceful personalities. It can make the road to the top fairly quick and easy for you, but it can also ruin everything precious to you.
To those who work for the BOSS: Do not try to go toe to toe with this person in a screaming match. You will lose. Suggest to the Boss, do not demand. When the Boss does a fantastic job, give a lot of support. When the yelling starts, back down and wait until things cool off. Silence can be very effective with the Boss. A battle only happens when someone else enters into combat with bossy. The ranting and raving will eventually die down and it’s back to business as usual. Do your absolute best and do not goof off as you will be found out and punished.
If you are The Boss or you work for him or her, please send your stories and tell me what your opinion is. What do you think about this type of leader? Am I wrong in this description or am I dead on? And keep those small contributions coming in as they get me going and motivate me to help you even more. Thanks. Sharon