Being a terrible boss is not a difficult job. For some, it comes naturally. Others may work at it and refine their skills. Likewise, at one time or another, we have each been subjected to the Terrible Boss. We all recognize the signs.
Here are eight essential keys to becoming a successful Terrible Boss.
1. Blaming
A great boss will accept responsibility for errors. The Terrible Boss will find someone to blame.
2. Neglecting Employees
The Terrible Boss overlooks the gifts and skills of her staff. She ignores pleas for assistance, keeps her office door shut as a matter of policy and is always surprised when conflicts arises. She dictates rather than delegates, refuses to listen and forgets the art of conversation. In the environment of a Terrible Boss, the staff whisper and complain, conspire and curse. They realize they are powerless and accept that the Terrible Boss will never be their advocate. Many are checking the Internet for possible job openings.
3. Poor Time Management
The clock and the calendar are unimportant to the Terrible Boss. He is always late for work, rushes into meetings at the last minute, misses important deadlines and needs to leave early at least once a month. The boss who cannot keep track of time will quickly become a Terrible Boss.
4. Believing Gossip
While the great boss creates bonds with his staff and invites an open line of communication, the Terrible Boss is busy listening to backbiting gossip. He contributes to the dynamics of triangularization - ganging up against a particular employee - and takes delight in manipulating misery and sabotaging that employee's self esteem.
5. Laziness
This is an essential practice. The Terrible Boss has learned how to do nearly nothing within a set time frame. If she has refined this skill, she will also be a terrific actor. For the truly Terrible Boss can cloak her laziness in such a way that she gives the appearance of busyness. This is an enviable behavior among Terrible Bosses.
6. Arrogance
The Terrible Boss is never wrong. Period. He considers himself knowledgeable about everything and in no need of betterment. Those who lack his broad range of information are, of course, not capable of contributing anything of value. Furthermore, the arrogant boss finds numerous opportunities to express his superiority.
7. Lack of Emotional Control
In the arena of emotionalism, the Terrible Boss is a perfectionist. She is proud of her explosive rage. Dressing down an employee in front of his peers is just the kind of discipline that's needed.
8. Demanding Obedience
This unilateral focus goes hand-in-hand with arrogance and neglect. Terrible Bosses excel at crafting a rigid workplace atmosphere and will broker no questioning of their rules. Employees exist to serve them, not the opposite.
These are just a few of the more obvious ways to succeed as a Terrible Boss. Flirting with employees also works to achieve this status. Stubbornness - the kind that refuses to compromise - is yet another important behavior if one is intent on becoming that Terrible Boss. And of course, the individual who values ignorance over education will always make it to the top of the bad boss list.
But perhaps the single most identifiable key to Terrible Boss success is dishonesty. When you are ready to engage in this without hesitation, you have climbed over the backs of your employees and reached the pinnacle of Terrible Bossdom.