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Sunday 24 February 2013

Bad Boss

Like it or not, there is such a thing as a terrible or horrible boss. Well, this post shall not talk about the obviously bad bosses. The obvious ones are:

  • Sex maniacs, harass staff in the office
  • Provides unsafe workplaces
  • The list goes on, but I am here to talk about the not-obvious ones.
Firstly, what is a bad boss? Here's my take on a bad boss:
  • Doesn't care about improvement of staff. The boss can be the friendliest, most 'caring', nice, gentlemen - but you learn absolutely nothing, do nothing that can be construed as an achievement for your next job interview, no training. On the contrary, some bosses yell at their workers all day long, but at the end of the day, the workers can move on and get a better job. No doubt they yell, but the workers actually learn something. Mind you - if you want a 'nice' boss, someone to talk to - please get a lover or a fuckbuddy. We are talking about your career here.
  • Doesn't pay attention to staff. By this, I mean - the boss will promise a lot, say yes - but alas, doesn't do anything but gently brushes it aside (called "Tai Chi") to 'problems from higher authority", "disasters to handle", "Overlooked", "Overworked". If you cannot handle all "those", please stop being a boss.
  • Very happy and cheerful environment, but the place is a time-bomb. A quick check: Does the place have an updated set of SOP? If someone leaves, what happens? SOPs are for a place to function well, so everyone knows what to do. What if he leaves? Oh please, don't think your 'best boss' will be there forever.
  • Influenced by rumors.
  • Taking sides during fights. For me, I would ask the two idiots to resolve it on their own, failing which, I would expect two resignation letters. Never create a winner. If there is a winner from each fight, there will be more fights. Hey - after all, we are adults. So, please stop the "Mummy, he hit me first" shit in the office. If you are above 18 years old, want to play mummy, I suggest you hire a dominatrix at your own free time for her to spank you. 
  • Does what is popular rather than what is good for the business.
  • Focus on department instead of business or profit for the company.
  • Zero strategy. Keep in mind, a strategy is not the same as planning. The worst are without a plan. Some have a plan, but still no strategy. Example of a strategy: How to finish off the competition in business.
But, why are bad bosses so damaging. I think, they are worse than the obvious-bad-bosses. Why? When they are obviously bad, we will happily move on, get another job. The bad bosses make it fun, enough to keep everyone comfortable. It's like putting a frog in cold water, then light a flame under the pot. (note - no frogs were hurt in this blog). Chances are, it's so comfortable you won't even know you are cooked.

Then comes one fine day - you get fired or decide to leave when you realized your salary isn't going anywhere fast. You are past 35 years old. A cute 22-year-old chick is sexier and is asking for RM 2500 only. You wish to have RM 8000, but you lack the skills. Or with outdated skills. Heck, the 22-year-old might even type faster. This is when real trouble starts. 

Q: "What did you achieve in your previous job?". 
Answer " Ummm....ahhhh..... ummmm, I maintained the UNIX Server". 
Interviewer: " But we are using Windows since 1997. Thank you for your time, we will contact you shortly"

An example of a terrible boss is the character Gil Grissom of CSI Las Vegas. Here's why:
  • Never trained a successor, no succession planning. One fine day, he happily left the entire team in limbo. 
  • Heck, he even left his wife, Sara Sidle. 
  • Having a secret relationship with Sara when he was an immediate superior. He did not disclose this to department either. Sounds familiar? If you must eat and shit, don't do it in the same place.
  • Fails to complete paperwork on time.
  • Friendly and nice to everyone. 
  • Doesn't spend too much time on training for staff. Instead, he usually gives that "How come you don't-know" look.
  • Thinks he is the smartest.
  • Doesn't pay attention when others talk. 
  • No planning, no strategy (caused an intern to be killed). 
  • He was a tai-chi master too, always assigning the shit jobs to his subordinates.
  • But everyone misses him!

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