Do Not Become Like My Boss (6.00)
By Sandra Fraser, Posted on 2008-04-09 10:04:40

Do Not Become Like My Boss

I have just successfully completed my probationary year and received a good bonus for my performance in the sales and marketing division of a multinational corporation. I acheived this despite my boss and
because of my boss, and have decided to seek employment elsewhere.

The issues with my boss began right when I started my employment. I fast realized the total lack of guidance, communication and people skills my boss possesses, or should I say... does not posess.
I joined the company with only a conceptual knowledge of the business and my area of specialization.

I looked up to my boss for guidance and to learn the business but my superiors insecurity and unwillingness to guide left me to my own devices. While he is slow to accept responsibility and quick to allot blame.

I have been targeted for mistakes that could have been avoided if he had given me proper guidance. Whenever I am enthusiastic and talk to him about a new business opportunity or a potential client, his usual reaction is an insiped nod. How can I develop the organization and get new business when my boss has no enthusiasm himself?

He has never said the words "good job", or "well done" or "keep it up". He feels the bonus I have been given is adequate compensation. Doesn't he know tha an encouraging word will stimulate me to excel and surpass expectations? Silence seems to be his most preferred means of communication! Any information that I know is out of my own initiative. Right from the kind of projects our team is working on, to their progress reports and from there on to human resource practises. How can I fulfill my duties to my fullest potential if I am not able to communicate with my boss?

He has never been willing to discuss strategies or ideas I might have. Any new ideas that I have put forth are shot down without the least consideration. His most often repeated refrain is, "I am the boss and I know how to do it," or somwething to that effect. How can the company expect me to perform under such a brusque boss who singularily lacks people skills?

The cherry on the cake is his behavior in team meetings. Thesse meeting are dominated by his pompous lectures that adopt a very demotivating tone highlighting just the negatives and not the accomplishments of the team. How can the company expect me to continue working for them when my superior doesn't inspire me to forge ahead but instead makes me scared of getting stuck in a rut?

I believe, due to these flaws in my boss's behavior, there are some genuine problems brewing within our team which will ultimately affect the company as a whole. So it is my decision to seek employment elsewhere in an environment condusive to team and individual success and advancement.

If you are an individual in a position of leadership at your place of employment, try to remember a few important things so you don't end up losing valuable employees.

A good leader leads by example. Try to ensure your enthusiasm and energy is high to envoke the same of your employees. Encourage individuality while fostering a healthy team. Respect everyone's values and aspirations. Communication is the key to workplace success so keep the lines of communication open. Do not become a boss like mine. With his frustrating lack of communication and people skills, there is simply no way I can be associated with a corporation that employs him in a leadership position.

Sandra Fraser, Seattle, WA