The 2 types of bosses

In the last 2 years I have had the privilege to work under bosses I choose to categorize into 2; the control freaks and the open-minded bosses. Like most people, I prefer the latter. But I also realized that  it is important to work under the former boss at some point.  

source: vivente.com

The control freak boss

Most people would do anything to do away with a controlling boss. This is the type of boss who literally wants to know what you are working on, or indirectly dictates how you should handle tasks. They are freaks! Control bosses may let you share your ideas, but at the end of the day they will always do things their way. When things are working out, they may recognize you. But should things hit a dead end, they will quietly plot your exit strategy. When you bump on these bosses in the lift or the office café, or the staff parking space, they will wear a smiling face, and you imagine that all is well. If your boss wears an 'all is well' face all the time, this should be a warning for you to keep your ears and eyes closer to the ground. Find out whether all that glittering is gold and not an optical illusion.  

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There are reasons why you should work with or under controlling bosses. Through them, you are grilled to unleash your full potential. They may not consider you good enough, but you will find satisfaction in knowing that you gave your best. These bosses push you to learn how to think out of the box and have a plan B for your career development. They keep you on toes to scout for new opportunities. In the process, you learn how to balance work with side ventures. Control bosses create an environment that toughens you to face anything. You become a higher risk taker because you are strong enough to withstand any storm shoved your way .

Open minded boss

Most of us would wish to lead a career working with or under an open-minded boss. This is the kind of boss who listens to your ideas and does not pin you down for saying something which sounds a bit silly. At social events, outsiders may not be able to point out this boss from other employees. This is the type of boss who has mastered the art of team work and knows how to bond well with the entire team in such a way that everyone feels respected, accepted and valued. An open minded boss may disapprove your idea, but you will not feel intimidated because he or she uses good interpersonal skills to brash it off. For some bosses, the ability to attract employee preference towards them comes naturally. For others, that ability is shaped by past work or leadership experiences.

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An open minded boss truly understands what that opportunity means for you as an employee and thus, will coach you to help realize your full potential.  He or she corrects you when you fly off the tangent. Open minded bosses understand the importance of ‘creating a shared value’ between the employer and the employees, senior staff and junior staff, internal factors and externalities.

A setback with these type of bosses is that they tend to be less definitive in decision making and more prone to surrounding pressure. However,  they will always support your career growth. These bosses prepare very good recommendations or references for you when new opportunities open up. They understand that just as their career is important to them, so is yours to you.

As you  build your career, be happy to work under all types of bosses.  For through them, you become more progressive and highly aggressive. You acquire a range of soft skills that cannot be taught in school but are necessary for you to remain a competitive human resource.