Worst Boss I Ever Had

I often talk with my leaders about Gallop’s finding that 70% of why people leave an organization has to do with their boss.? The worse the relationship with their boss, the more likely they will leave the organization.? Do you remember your worst boss or bosses?? Was it in your distant past or is it right now? What are the qualities that make them not a good fit for you?

My worst boss was a long time ago in my past career in sales.? It was my first sales job, I was new to it, and I was anxious as a person and really wanted to do well.? My boss was maniacally controlling, unfriendly in her interactions with me, and lacked any level of empathy.

I remember I was in our workroom putting together something for a client who was waiting for me in the conference room. She came in and in a very terse way said, “What are you doing?”? By this point in my working relationship with her, anything she had to say to me felt like an attack. When I answered with trepidation and anxiety, “I am trying to get some data together for my client in the conference room.” She said in a very angry and attacking way, “Get it together, get yourself together, put on some lipstick and a smile, and GET OUT THERE!”

Needless to say, that did not set me up for success, and within a few weeks, I gave my notice and took a position at another firm.

I became the 70%! I know you are not like my old boss… not at all.? However, I imagine you might have your own way of getting under your direct report’s skin, not exhibiting support and lacking empathy.? If you say, “Nah that is not me… I have great relationships with those that report to me” You may be in the danger zone.? Get yourself some anonymous third-party conducted feedback and find out what folks really feel about your leadership!? You always have room to improve and modeling that for those that you manage and develop has so much goodness.

Don’t be someone's worst boss ever!? I know you don’t want to be so get to growing!