2. EVERY BOSS HAS A STYLE. EVERY EMPLOYEE NEEDS TO KNOW IT

THE “DARK” SIDE OF LEADERSHIP AND WORKPLACE OUTCOMES

2.         EVERY BOSS HAS A STYLE. EVERY EMPLOYEE NEEDS TO KNOW IT

All bosses have a unique style in the way they manage.  We long for a boss with the “perfect” style, one that precisely matches our needs and desires.  Realizing your boss is a unique individual and has a unique style is the first step towards a better working relationship with your boss.

A boss’s concern can be anywhere on a scale of maximum concern for people, to no concern at all, to anywhere in between.  Management style is either a concern for production or for people.  Interpreting management style to determine the concern for production or for people through analyzing:

high concern for production

high concern for people

• meeting goals • meeting expectations • producing more • better quality • better service • increasing revenue • decreasing cost • improving profit • doing things right • how you’ll be reviewed • meeting deadlines • meeting standards • pleasing customers

• treating employees fairly • showing kindness • being honest • communicating openly • asking for employee input • involving employees in the decision-making process • showing respect • recognizing capabilities • helping employees achieve their goals • understanding problems • having realistic expectations • giving employees what they deserve • listening to employees • being flexible • making work enjoyable • having a helping rather than a bossing attitude.

Know and understand the style your boss uses.  Focus on:

•          Accepting the style your boss uses

•          Predicting behavior based on this style

•          Developing a more positive attitude about your boss

•          Avoiding problems that normally would arise as a result of your boss’s style

•          Improving your performance in view of what you can learn from knowing the style used by your boss

The necessary steps to fully understand your boss’s style of managing:

•          Determine what style your boss uses

•          Analyze how well the style fits

•          Decide what action to take

o          accept boss’s style

o          predict his behavior

o          develop a more positive attitude towards boss

o          avoid problems

o          improve your performance — you change

Knowing your boss’s styles

•          helps you feel better

•          helps you yields more predictability

•          reduces frustration and stress

•          helps you to accept it

•          results in a positive attitude on your part

•          prevents problems

•          prevent misunderstandings, conflicts

•          helps you perform better

•          understand your boss’s expectations better

•          help better understand his or her expectations and priorities

 

References:

Thad B. Green, Jay T. Knippen, (1991),”Every Boss has a Style”, Management Decision, Vol. 29 Iss: 5