Time to Open Your Eyes

a revised post from an old post

The same person is now in charge of the project. This happens every time.  You are not happy because you have complained numerous times about their lack of organization and inability to lead teams and the fact that every other one of their projects is either off the rails or has been put back on the rails by a rescue effort.  You wonder what colour are the glasses your boss is wearing?  What is he seeing that you do not?  What is he seeing in you, or rather, not seeing in you?
What to do?
This one is easy.  And it is a 2-parter:

• Think about when you complained, did you offer any solutions or resolutions or alternatives that would have been better, or was it simply a complaint?  If it was only complaining- like sour-grapes, then re-think that strategy immediately.  You are not contributing by whining.  Always provide a solution or an alternative. This regular choice may be the go-to choice because they are unaware there is an alternative.
•  Ask why you are not being considered.  What is it that you have to learn/do/experience before you are given these types of assignments?  Showing that you are open to learning will no doubt give your boss something else to think about.  Your initiative can open their eyes.

Hang The Out to Dry!

This leader asks his team member for advice and then takes the advice, applies it and when it does not work, hangs them out to dry saying 'team member X told me to do it'.


What to do? Remind the boss that they asked for advice, it was their decision to act on it. You should not have to take the fall for your boss - they are in that role to absorb what comes at them no matter where they sought advice.

The Micro-Micro Manager

Hi! Nice to meet you. I am your boss. I want to know your schedule for every second of every day. In fact, you will grant me administrative access to your Outlook so that I can see your schedule whenever I want. I can then call and check up on you, verify if you actually show up, just keep tabs on you.

Also, just a warning, I will freak out if you change what you are working on for the day and don't record it. I won't be there to see it, and it won't impact me in the slightest, I just need to be the one in control and you need to cater to my every whim! I am the BOSS!

Oh, and by the way, that will also give me access to your emails. I'll read them too, especially if there is anything interesting from your spouse (like what to pick up for dinner or your weekend plans, hey, maybe I can join you or plan a meeting that will ruin it!) or team-mate banter (to make sure I am not the brunt of jokes or general discussion - no fun allowed. I do not have a sense of humor that anyone but me would understand!). At least then I can be in the loop and know everything about you!

Have a nice first day at work.

Truly,

Your Boss

Have you had this message or scenario played out in your world? What would you do?

What NOT to do? Really?

Yes, there really is a 'what NOT to do' in leadership!

Learning to lead is no easy feat. Learning what not to do seems to come more naturally.

Have you had that leader that really is a BOSS instead...making every mistake in the book?

But where is the book?

Well, I couldn't find just one. You can find many leadership books on other sites...one just doesn't seem to cut it.

Here is a place to point out the NOT to do's. I'll even start! Please comment and add - tell your story ( but leave out names, protect the blogger, please). I am sure that many people will be able to relate.

Even better - if you can Here is a place to point out the NOT to do's. I'll even start! Please comment and add - tell your story ( but leave out names, protect the blogger, please). I am sure that many people will be able to relate.


Even better - if you can provide tips on how to handle the 'what-NOT-to-do leader' that would be very helpful.

Here are a few to get started:

Dr Jekyl/Mr Hyde: this leader/boss is mean and nasty one day and then overcompensates with false kindness the next because they realized their behavior was inappropriate. What to do? Learn to recognize the signs, usually they are taking something else out on you.

Carrot and the Stick or the Stick and the Carrot: this leader usually makes unfair decisions or judgement calls and then comes back to discuss solutions with you with a coffee or donut hand to share, seemingly attempting to make it all better! What to do? Ask for the honest explanation, hold them accountable to the decision, you deserve to know the truth.

The Jellyfish: this is the spineless leader who refuses to make a decision, cause and deal with conflict or simply create an environment for good discussion. What to do? You can't drown them so attempt to explain how they are affecting the morale of the team. Do not be a jellyfish yourself, afraid to speak up.