Good Boss VS Bad Boss

A positive work environment is a key element for any productive company. But positive work environments can be destroyed if the boss is a bully, intrusive, controlling, picky and petty. A bad boss can ruin a lot of hard work in a matter of minutes with just one wrong decision. Dealing with a bad boss or a manager or a team leader becomes a challenge for the employees. The main objective of the company can be affected without effective leadership. Bad leaders and bosses tend to be the number one reason for an unhappy workplace.

But what makes a boss so bad? Multiple reasons contribute to a potentially good leader turning into a bad boss. Bosses who are only focused on the end result and productivity of the team tend to act like bullies.They create a toxic work environment centered on productivity to maybe mask their own shortcomings and inadequacies. The brilliant mastermind and creator of one of the most used smartphones in the world, Steve Jobs, falls under this category. He had brilliant ideas but was focused on production and beating the other competitors in the game more than focusing on the game itself. Such bosses foster unhealthy competition, encourage gossip and blame failure on the employees.

His successor, Tim Cook, on the other hand, is considered to be one of the best bosses of the global technology giant Apple. In the six years as the CEO of the company, Tim Cook has led the company to double their net revenue and has used the platform to spread awareness on diverse subjects such as human rights, access to education, female representation on Wall Street, immigration reform and privacy rights. On the other side of the spectrum, many bosses and leaders have had to resign in the wake of a sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit from fellow workers. The man who made it easier for people to find dates, Justin Mateen, the co founder and CMO of Tinder, found himself facing a lawsuit from co founder Whitney Wolfe for the same reason. At present, in the tech industry, many women have come forward alleging harassment and discrimination from their bosses and CEOs. Such bosses have no grasp on the line that separates acceptable behavior from the suggestive variety. Negotiating workplace toxicity is a big challenge, especially for women, because of the prevalent discrimination and ‘bro’ culture.

Meanwhile, beating all stereotypes, world leaders and incredible bosses like Sheryl Sandberg and Indra Nooyi have been showing the world how women get work done. Their no nonsense attitude coupled with a genuine interest in watching the company and the employees grow exemplifies how women can conquer any industry. They inspire, teach, protect, challenge and cultivate an environment of ownership and commitment. Such leaders build teams that shift organizational and individual thinking from “me” to “we” mindsets. They believe in maintaining good relationships with the employees, respect their boundaries, trust their decisions and appreciate their work, both professionally and personally.

The philosophy behind a good boss vs a bad boss, according to management guru Peter Drucker, is simple. A good boss does not just bring together a group of individuals and expects a team to be created. He builds the team to enhance performance, innovation and productivity through teamwork. But, unfortunately not every boss is a team player.

It’s not bad jokes or awkward dressing sense that make a boss seem bad. These archetypes show it’s the bigger picture any boss must and should focus on, including communication skills, collaboration and the ability to demonstrate empathy. Bosses need to learn to improvise and evolve to the challenges around them for providing their employees with the best opportunities to grow and develop the company.