bad boss

Know the Difference Between a Demanding and an Unreasonable Boss

More and more employees have to deal with intrusions on their personal time every day. The coping mechanisms cited in this Wall Street Journal article are naive (such as offering to work 12-hour days instead of giving up your Saturdays) and don't usually have the desired impact. I have found in my research that one must distinguish between a demanding boss and a unreasonable boss. A demanding boss expects results and is usually open to being challenged on reasonableness and will negotiate expectations of subordinates. An unreasonable boss is usually a bully whose motivation is to make the subordinate fail. So before adapting a coping mechanism, make sure you understand what you are dealing with. My new book From Bully to Bull's Eye: Move Your Organization Out of the Line of Fire (RCJ Press; January 10, 2017) will help you make this distinctio.

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Buddy or Bossy? Don't Oversimplify the Dynamics of Leadership

Some managers lead by dominating employees; others try to win them over. But the most effective leaders deploy the style best suited to the situation. This piece oversimplifies the dynamics of leadership, and as the title suggests a choice between being bossy vs buddy. What I advocate for all leading through respect. With respect a manager and leader can be very demanding and tough and people will positively respond. By being "bossy" people usually respond out of fear and by being "buddy" people respond only when the leader or manager is consistent with this style through good times and bad. I have witnessed a number of buddy leaders turn into barbaric monsters when times get tough. From the New York Times: Bossy vs. Buddy: Two Leadership Styles, Each with Its Place.

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