Good Boss, Bad Boss
If you work for someone that has to remind you that they are the “boss” by saying things like, “I’m your boss,” or “You work for me,” then we have a problem.
Chances are you are dealing with an individual that is highly insecure. Maybe even someone who knows they don’t belong in that role.
Chances are you threaten that person in some subliminal way that makes them have to verbally state, “I’m your boss,” almost as a self-defense mechanism. A way of bolstering their egos.
Chances are that person doesn’t respect you, and chances are that person only really cares about themselves.
The statement is an action: “I’m your boss.” It is an assertion of power meant to control. It is meant to intimidate, threaten even. There are implications and insinuations, explicit and implicit. This is certainly not someone who is going to back you up or speak up for you when you’re in the room, much less when you’re not there.
This is someone who will never help you get better. This is someone who will never support you or your work. This is someone who may (probably will) undermine you or take from you to better themselves. This is someone who only cares about themselves. This is someone who is a manager at best, not a leader.
See the signs, recognize the difference, and work to find an environment and individuals who will work with you and help you grow. Don’t get stuck in the toxic mud, working for a “boss.” Find a leader who will help you grow into your own leadership journey.
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