Here are the various types of bosses mapped on to the Chinese zodiac and ways you can hold your own without undermining their authority, says Devashish Chakravarty.
Rat
The rat is a pessimist. He believes that nothing will work well and that the world is out to get him. Your pessimistic boss is a huge drain on your emotional energy and patience. Minimise the time spent with him lest you start mirroring his outlook towards work and people. Reassure him regularly by sharing information and achievements upfront and avoiding disagreements on public forums.
Ox
The ox stands unmoved, unresponsive while you await a decision. He is the ultimate procrastinator, delaying every action until additional information is available and has been analysed. Don't wait for deadlines to seek decisions because pressure does not make it easier. Budget for additional decision-making time in each project. Before sharing a proposal, gather and summarise information that he is likely to seek.
Horse
The horse can rarely stay still in one place and gallops away every few minutes. Your boss is either perennially unfocused and distracted or is always absent from his desk. Don't rely on him to keep track of what's important and how it is to be scheduled. Instead, support him and get projects completed by taking charge of what needs to be done. If he is late or misses a meeting, move on to your next task instead of waiting.
Goat
The sure-footed goat believes that he is the best at climbing uphill while he criticises you in minute detail. Your micromanager boss hasn't grown out of his previous role and is yet to step into a boss's shoes. To calm him down, get your act under control and deliver results that inspire confidence. Share project progress information in advance and agree to where you will seek inputs and which decisions will be yours to take.
Tiger
The ruthless tiger is at the top of the food chain and his dictum is: 'It's my way or the highway.' Your dictatorial manager always gets what he wants and does not brook any opposition to his processes and decisions. Never confront or provoke him by saying he is wrong or take a heroic stand in front of the team. Instead, offer your views as possible options or suggestions and the tiger will usually adopt the best ones as his own.
Rabbit
The rabbit is scared about his survival. Your boss is afraid of your abilities and the possibility of you replacing him. So he undermines your potential by not sharing information, not letting you interact with his bosses, or giving you credit for your work. Do the opposite with him. Seek his inputs, help him succeed with his projects, acknowledge his support when you are being praised and speak well of him when he is not around.
Dragon
The fire spouting dragon is universally hated and feared. Your hugely toxic boss believes that negative reinforcement—yelling, abusing and putting down people—is the best route to getting results. In most cases, if you consistently respond calmly and logically, the abuser loses steam and stops harassing you. If things don't change, have a chat with the HR. If that doesn't work, find a new boss and get the peace you deserve.
Snake
The snake hides his poisonous fangs. Your manipulator boss has no scruples about calmly injecting venom into his prey when it suits him. Accept that you and your career don't matter to him and establish rigid boundaries to keep a clear emotional distance. Identify the learning and support you require and seek it elsewhere in the team. If your boss tries something illegal or unethical, raise a red flag at once.
Monkey
Your boss is hopelessly incompetent in his present role and often makes a monkey of himself. He is new to the function, industry or process and has lots to learn before he leads effectively. Avoid showing him down or exposing his lack of knowledge since that can harm your career. Respectfully share information and assist him in such a way that helps him learn and take better decisions.
Rooster
The rooster boss dislikes you for no logical reason and is out to peck you into submission from the moment you first met. Maybe he is inherently biased against your gender, race, educational background etc. If his actions and words are openly discriminatory, discuss it with him and then with the HR. In all other cases, work on common interests to create opportunities for a positive relationship.
Dog
The dog reacts to every stimulus, small or big, by barking loudly. Your over-reactive boss is always excited about the latest idea or hyper concerned about the smallest errors. Don't take the constant shouting seriously. Accept suggestions where they make sense and calmly lay out the pros and cons of those that don't work.
Pig
The incredibly lazy pig believes in doing the bare minimum of what is expected. Even though not working, your boss has mastered the art of appearing busy. Since his poor performance affects your output and career, start tracking what was discussed. Use e-mails to record accountabilities and deadlines, and ensure that work gets done.
Beware of good bosses too
Humble workaholic
Your manager works incredibly hard and long to get stuff done. He doesn't mind staying back late to finish your share of work that you had scheduled for tomorrow. Initially, this might seem sweet and convenient, but you are being proven to be completely redundant.
Super nice
Your boss is the nicest person you know and always lets you have your way. He doesn't criticise or yell or even force his opinions. It's a fabulous ride until increment time and your team gets the lowest hikes since your boss did not take a stand with the HR or his bosses.
Awesomely attractive
People envy you because you have a super model or action hero look-alike boss you spend time with. You and the rest of the team enjoy long meetings with the boss, but often little work gets done. Meanwhile, colleagues with less attractive bosses get moving and are promoted.
Hyper successful
Your boss has a good track record of successes and all his past colleagues have also done well. People say you are fortunate to be on his team. Little do they know that you also put long hours in the office and at home to meet his high standards of output and to succeed.
Effective delegator
Your boss is the most efficient person, who delegates a lot of responsibility to you with minimal oversight. While the respect and freedom makes for a heady cocktail, it is good to be aware that the delegator is also comfortable with you failing spectacularly once in a while as part of your learning curve.
(The writer is Director, Executive Search, QuezX.com)
Source:-The Economic Times
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