The Two Types of Bosses – Which One Are You?

There are two kinds of bosses in this world: Boss#1 and Boss#2.

Boss#1 is straightforward, direct, and curt:

> "Come to my office."

Simple, isn’t it? It’s like getting a command from the mothership. No context, no time consideration. You don’t know if it’s about a minor clarification or a potential showdown that might end in a week's worth of extra work.

And then we have Boss#2. Oh, Boss#2 is a breath of fresh air:

> "Please come to my office at your convenience for a discussion on the last DPC breakdown / some other matter."

Or, even better:

> "When will you be available to meet me in the office for around 15 minutes to discuss the last DPC breakdown / some other matter?"

Isn’t that refreshing? Boss#2 sounds like they actually respect your time, gives you context, and *maybe* values your presence. They’re probably the ones who remember your name and maybe even ask you how your weekend was (and actually care about the answer).

The Big Question: What Kind of Boss Are You?

Now, I know this could quickly turn into the classic "Boss vs. Leader" debate, but I’ll spare you the cliché. If you've been in the workforce long enough, you already know there’s a difference between simply managing tasks and genuinely leading people.

Here’s a little confession: I recently had to deal with a Type #1 boss. And no, it wasn’t as exciting as it sounds. In fact, it got so bad that every time my phone rang, my blood pressure shot up. I even reached the point of mentally rehearsing my responses just in case the “summons” had a special twist that day.

Of course, I tried my best to "train" this boss into becoming a Type #2. You know, dropping subtle hints about *maybe* phrasing things in a way that wouldn't make me feel like I was being called to the principal's office every single time.

But here’s the harsh reality: some mobile phones just can't be upgraded due to hardware limitations, if you know what I mean. No amount of software updates will turn a flip phone into a smartphone. 

How Do You Handle It?

So, what do you do when you’re stuck with Boss#1? How do you keep your sanity when the “summons” come in rapid succession? Here are some tips that have helped me survive:

1. Set Boundaries (Politely): Sometimes, you have to push back – nicely. If you’re deep in another task, let Boss#1 know you'll be available after completing it. Not only does this show that you’re prioritizing effectively, but it also teaches them that you’re not just waiting for orders.

2. Seek Clarity in Conversations: When summoned, try to immediately ask for details. “Is this about the DPC breakdown, or is it something else?” A little clarification can save you a lot of stress.

3. Redirect Conversations: Try asking them to send you a quick email or message for any non-urgent matters. Sometimes, bosses call you in because they believe it's faster, but giving them an alternative might help cut down on unnecessary face-to-face requests.

4. Inject Humor (If Appropriate): Humor has a way of diffusing tension. Next time you’re summoned with a “Come to my office,” you could walk in and jokingly say, “Reporting for duty, Captain!” Just don’t push it too far – assess their sense of humor first.

For All the Bosses Out There – The Correct Way to Summon a Team Member

If you’re reading this and you’re a Boss#1, allow me to introduce you to some magic words:

* “When you have a moment, can you stop by my office?”  

* “Could we find some time to discuss the DPC breakdown at your convenience?”  

* “Please let me know when you’re available for a quick 10-15 minute chat.”

A little bit of politeness, context, and flexibility goes a long way. It shows your team that you respect their time and value them as professionals. Remember, a team member who feels respected and valued will likely go above and beyond. On the other hand, barking orders might make you feel in control, but it won’t necessarily earn you respect.

In Conclusion

Being a boss isn’t just about getting the work done; it’s about how you make your team feel while getting the work done. If you're a Boss#2, you’re probably already a favorite among your team. If you're more of a Boss#1, it's never too late to make a change.

And for those of us still dealing with Boss#1 types… well, let’s keep our sense of humor intact. After all, when life gives you a Type #1, sometimes all you can do is smile, nod, and keep a mental tally of how many times you've been summoned.

So, which boss are you? And if you’re dealing with a Type #1, how do you manage it? Let’s hear your thoughts! 

#Leadership #WorkCulture #OfficeHumor #BossLife #RespectAtWork