Malcolm O. Munro - The "Career Fitness" Coach

Dealing with a Wimpy Boss

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What do you do with the boss who won't use their authority to actually be the boss?  What if you work with someone who delegates the tough tasks for someone else to do?  How do you handle the boss who refuses to take charge?

I'm going to suggest seizing control if the boss won't choose to exercise it!

Now before I blast this week's bad boss, let me suggest that in some ways, this behavior can be explained.  Many people think the path to organizational success is to work your way to the top.  In fact, being at the top is a sometimes daunting place to be.  Nobody can prepare you for the hassles and stress that await you.  In the face of that stress, the new boss may turn back to old habits, behaviors, and even tasks that they held before the promotion.  And confronting problems?  They either go completely over the top or they shrink away. 

You have no control over how your boss makes this transition.

Here's what you can do:

1. Start asserting yourself!  If you've always wanted to try something new or do something a different way, this is your chance.  Get your act together, build the process, and put it into practice.
2. Take charge of your immediate area.  You don't need positional authority to be a leader.  I know you probably don't agree, but keep in mind leadership doesn't need a title to happen.  Management does.  Start thinking strategically and voice your thoughts.  Demonstrate you know how to add value and get busy doing it.
3. Be a good example.  If your boss demonstrates wimpiness, be the opposite and act decisively.  This is your chance to show the higher-ups you're qualified for bigger things.

There are some people who wait for opportunities to come to them.  If you have this type of wimpy boss, you have an opportunity to really demonstrate your worth.   Get busy this week building your own leadership and management skills! 

AND, if you're this type of boss, you're a complete disappointment to me.  Somebody thought enough of you to hire or promote you to that leadership role.  You better start acting in that role or find another line of work.  Leadership is a privilege.  Treat it as such!

Are you rude? Maybe you should think again

Fed up with the rude behavior you experience day in and day out? Is it aggressive driving, co-workers who don't wash their hands or smokers who use the sidewalk as their personal ashtrays?

What about the sales clerks who ignore you -- then act like they own the store when you finally get their attention?

It's time for a return to civility!  To read more from Oprah.com, click HERE!

Dealing with an Arrogant Boss

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Imagine if we still had kings like they did in the old days.  They would strut around with their big robes and crowns, compelling us to bow down as they moved through the streets.  At the sign of any criticism, they'd simply single us out for decapitation. 

Some of us unfortunately still live this way.  Arrogant bosses, the "kings" (and "queens") of our days still rule some workplace kingdoms demanding workers pay homage to their greatness.

Arrogant bosses exhibit a sense of entitlement, an incessant string of comments about how great they are, an attitude that demeans others of lower rank or position, and a focus on their needs over the needs of others.  If you're sharing a particular story with someone and they overhear it, they'll chime in with a similar story of their own.  At their least annoying, they'll simply be in your way.  At their worst, they'll inundate your day with deliberate arrogant pain. 

Here are some quick strategies on how to deal with them:

Don’t:

• Openly confront them – they would enjoy beating you down
• Try to one-up them – this is their game and they know how to play it
• Attempt to compete with them – why bother?  It’s a losing game

Do:

• Ignore them – they thrive on an audience and accolades – a silent or non-existent audience completely deflates them!

Of course the best way to deal with tyrants is to just not do it.  In this tough economy that may not be an option, but your sanity may dictate you make the move.  Whatever you do, don't become a clone of your boss.  Without a formal mentor program and development, that is always a scary potential outcome!

Dealing with Bad Bosses: The Screamer

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We're in our second week of figuring out how to deal with bad bosses.  This week's culprit is the screamer.

Screamers fly off the handle at the slightest provocation.  Why?  Their anger is an emotional response to outward stimuli.  It’s a fancy way of saying people get ticked off when actions fail to meet expectations.  According to Daniel Goleman, the “guru” of Emotional Intelligence, our brains are open systems, which, unlike our circulatory system that flows in a continuous loop, take in outside information and process it. 

What does this mean?

If you can’t manage anger, it just grows.  This is why  rage escalates.  Your only hope is to get out of the way until it subsides.  Angry people are irrational. Irrational people can’t be reasoned with. Your rational response will only put fuel on the fire. 

Don’t:

• Attempt to calm them down
• Rationalize with them
• Argue or further provoke them
• Take a swing at them

Do:

• Keep your cool
• Make a conscious effort to control your own response
• Wait for the right moment to revisit the issue when they’ve calmed down

In some ways, this boss is the most dangerous because their anger can provoke ours.  Keep in mind that positionally, they outrank you so your response will probably lead to the demise of your tenure at the company.  If screamer behavior is causing you undue stress that's affecting your personal and physical well-being, it might be time to find a new position.

If there is good news here, I think it's that screamers become caricatures and what they do to motivate simply makes them look foolish.  Still intimidating, but foolish.  They will never be seen as a leader. 

Dealing with Bad Bosses: The Unpredictable Time Bomb

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There you are, busy at work when your boss appears.  He begins yelling at you in front of everyone about your missed deadline.  His insults then turn personal.  You feel your blood pressure rising and muscles tightening.  As he moves into your personal space, you smell his bad breath and cheap aftershave.  He then grins and he hurls one last insult.  That’s all it takes – you shove him down and proceed to kick his head in like a watermelon, the cheers of your coworkers rising in the background.

Well that’s what you wanted to do anyway wasn’t it?  Most likely you slinked back to your cube, head down with your tail between your legs. 

This week the mailbag was full of questions on how to deal with bad bosses.  For the next several weeks, I'm going to answer them and give you some suggestions on how to deal with your bad boss.  This week's question comes from Carrie F. from Bowie, MD.

Dear Coach,
My boss is evil.  I never know what he's up to until he blows up at me.  Then he slinks back to his office like nothing's happened.  We can't stand his unpredictability.  None of us knows what he'll do next but we all feel very uncomfortable.

Carrie, I call bosses like yours the Unpredictable Time Bomb.

The scariest thing about these tyrants is their unpredictability. It’s like the sudden air pocket drop you experience on a calm airline flight.  Worse, they can shift mood right before your eyes after drawing you into their comfort zone, dropping the hammer on you when you least expect it.  The Time Bomb also exhibits a talent for hitting your with rage and insults while smiling.  I once worked for a boss who smiled all the time.  The only way you knew he was about to explode was when his face turned red and he began to rapidly grind his front teeth, all while still smiling.  He reminded me a little of the rather disturbing Burger King King. 

To deal with the Time Bomb, you’ll have to carefully study them.

Don’t:

• Turn your back on them – always be wary

• Be taken in by their sometimes charming behavior

Do:

• Respond to everything they say and do to you with caution

• Observe their behavior – watch for things that seem to trigger them

• See if patterns develop – are you doing something unconsciously that sets them off?

Remember, even in tough economic times, it's sometimes better to quit your boss than to put up with unhealthy behavior.  Use your HR Department if need be.  At the end of this series, I'll give you some very clear steps to take when trying to handle ALL bad bosses.

When this recession or whatever it's called is over, people will be leaving their companies in droves.  It's happened after every economic downturn and will happen again.  The bad bosses will get theirs and then some. 

How to be an INTRAprenuer

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Last week I showed you how to add value (and job security) to yourself by learning how to solve four types of problems.  Hopefully you've had a chance to put some of that knowledge to use.

This week we want to focus on helping your organization make money.

You've probably heard of entrepreneurs.  These are people who start their own businesses, often at great risk, for the reward of having control and being able to make dreams come true.  Entrepreneurs (and I know this from being one) are forced to think critically about every dollar that's spent and make the most of each opportunity to try and make money. 

Even if you're not up for this rollercoaster ride, you can still use principles we use and become an INTRApreneur!  I know that terms sounds weird, but it makes total sense.  To add value, you have to think of your organization as YOUR company.  Here are some suggestions to get your INTRApreneurial spirit engaged: 

1. Look for new markets.  Think of this company as your own. If you can't see opportunities coming down the road, your company can go bust.  This is your chance to do some networking and prospecting on behalf of your company. 
2. Establish networks.  Let people know where your work and what you do.  Think of ways to find common connections with everyone you meet.  Show them that your company is one they should do business with.
3. Think of office resources as your own.  In my home office, I count paperclips, paper, and other office supplies.  I have to pay for these so I control their use.  It comes right off my bottom line.  I know the temptation to leave with little things from your office, but remember, it comes off YOUR bottom line.  Protect your office from this kind of innocent pilferage.
4. Come up with a constant stream of innovative ideas.  In the old days, new ideas were probably swept under the rug or stolen by other office mates.  Nowadays, your ability to come up with a creative idea may save your company from going under.  This isn't the time to play games.  Make sure you communicate with everyone above you if you have a great idea.

I know these seem like they should be the responsibility of someone else, but if your own job security is on the line, don't you think you might want to step up?  Remember, job security is never a guarantee with the same company, but if you can do the four steps above, you'll learn some powerful techniques that will make any organization a success. 

And who knows, maybe someday that business you're protecting will be your own!

How to Be a Problem-Solver

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Last week we learned the best way to get job security was to ADD VALUE to your current organization.  Adding value is done by:

• Solving problems
• Helping your employer make money
• Getting along well with others.

This week we'll focus on the first one.

I'm sure most of us benefit from the fact we regularly solve problems.  Our normal week probably includes at least one work-related problem per day and a host of problems at home.  With regular practice, we've probably gotten pretty good at it.  The key though is the type of problems we solve and the longevity of the solutions.  The best way to gauge our ability is to look at the two types of problems most of us encounter.

1. Short Term - These are problems that give us headaches in the moment and come without warning.  These could be a moderate annoyance or a critical issue that can cause great harm.  The solutions to these problems are quick and result in instant abatement of the problem.  Examples could be a shortage of material, a machine that stops working, or a crucial staff member that calls in sick at the last moment.
2. Long Term - These are chronic problems that have a history of plaguing us.  They may be mild in nature or severe enough to cause hate and discontent but are somewhat systemic in nature, meaning we don't know why the problem is here or where it came from, we just want it gone!  Examples could be a useless and time-consuming meeting or an archaic approval system that takes forever to come through.
3. Process problems - These are issues with a system itself.  A key supply or component takes too long to come in when ordered or service and repair work never seems to get done on time. It could be related to an inflated performance management system or even the way promotions are awarded.
4. People problems - These are issues that directly relate to a specific person or group of people.  This normally focuses on attitude and behaviors that are caustic and disruptive.

Now the question is:  How do we solve these problems?  

First, you'll need to accurately diagnose the problem.  Figure out which one it is before jumping in to solve.  Next, you'll need to pinpoint the root cause of the problem.  There's no point solving a symptom - find the main cause and solve it.  Think about tools like a Fishbone Diagram.  Finally, look for a long-term solution.  Short term solutions merely push the real solution down the line either handing it off to someone else or allowing it to grow in strength and plague you in the future.

If you make a point of identifying one chronic problem per day (and this means not whining about it!), that would be a start.  SOLVING the problem would make you an all-star, and as we discussed last week, all-stars have job security, if not with a current employer, then certainly with a strong competitor.

This week, think about how you'll apply this information.

How to Have Job Security for Life

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It seems as though each week the economic news gets worse.  The unemployment numbers continue to rise as the news from Wall Street worsens.  More and more of my clients are beginning to question their own job security.  Everyone wants to know if their position is safe.

With that in mind, I thought I'd put together a mini-series on how to have job security for life.

Now I know that sounds a little over-the-top.  Perhaps you'd expect to hear a statement like that from TV pitchman Billy Mays who pitches must-have products like Steam Buddy and the Hercules Hook.  

It's really not though.  Having job security for life means that no matter what the circumstance, you'll either be retained in your current position or be extremely marketable for other positions.  Let me give you an example.

Let's say the New York Yankees ownership made a few too many bad investments on Wall Street and wound up completely bankrupt.  If the team needed to be disbanded, how long before Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and a host of other superstars from the Yankees found other teams to pick them up?  Not very long.  And here's the reason.  It's not because they played for the storied Yankees, it's because they perform at a superstar level for the Yankees.

You too can be seen in that same category.  The key is to continually add value to your organization.  You do that in 3 ways:

• Solve problems
• Help the organization make money
• Get along well with others

It's simple stuff.  You do that on a continual basis and continue to grow and progress professionally and you'll have job security for life! 

Now the big question is HOW?

Over the next few weeks, I'll give you simple steps to follow that will help you grow your self and your career to superstar status.  All you have to do is implement to process.  Do we have a deal?

Choose Your Attitude, Define Your Environment

Have you ever had a job you hated?  I'm sure you have.  If so, I'm also sure you had to put on a "face" each day in order to survive.

That "face" you have to put on is really a simple term for a great attitude.  It's making the choice to make the very best of a bad situation.

Yesterday, I went to the local grocery store to pick up some hamburger buns.  The cashier was so friendly and upbeat that I saw nearly every one of the grim faced customers ahead of me in line perk up and leave with a big smile.  It was amazing to see and experience the energy that her positive attitude had on everyone.

Contrast that with another of the cashiers in the same store.  Several weeks ago I went through his line and asked him how he was doing. 

"Bad," he replied.  "I'm so depressed that I can't even function."

Wow," I said.  "Is it REALLY that bad?"

"I'm so miserable here that there is nothing on this planet that can make things better."

It was kind of disturbing and somewhat frightening.  I could have been speaking to that Disney character Eyore.  I have no clue what was going on in that man's head or in his life, but for that day it even depressed me.  He's still there (I saw him yesterday) so hopefully he's been able to sort out what's going on.

Here's my point.  Regardless of how you feel about a situation, your attitude is your choice.  By making the conscious decision to be positive, you'll make those around you happier and start feeling better yourself.

Many years ago while serving in the Navy, I was arm-twisted into giving dental health presentations at a local elementary school in Cerritos, CA. for Children's Dental Health Week.  I was irritated, annoyed, and just plain old grumpy having to do this.  Interestingly enough though, once I made the conscious choice to be positive in front of the kids, I actually had a great time.  The kids fed off my energy and I fed off theirs.  Each class laughed, got grossed out at the nasty photos of rotten teeth I showed them, and probably left with a renewed interest in brushing their teeth.  I realized that day how much I enjoyed doing presentations and it pushed me into my current career - which I am grateful for each and every day!

So this week, regardless of the circumstance or situation, make an effort to be positive.  You can create your atmosphere and environment, positive or negative, so figure out which one you'd rather have!

Successful Self-Assessments: A Lesson from Sampson, the "World's Largest Horse"

Yesterday we spent the day at the Montgomery County Fair in Gaithersburg, MD.  Now fairs are not my favorite place in the world.  In my opinion they're kind of like a third-rate Disney park, nearly as expensive but ten times dirtier.  My least favorite thing is the midway with all the throw-the-softball-at-the-milk-container games and the carnival callers trying desperately to get you to play.

In spite of it all, I did have a good time and my daughter placed 4th in the art exhibits.  One thing at the fair did intrigue me though.  At the end of the midway was Sampson, the "World's Largest Horse."  Now it cost  a dollar to see Sampson and while I had no intent of going in, the recording that played over and over to draw in the crowd almost got me to commit.  Apparently, "Sampson is larger than a monster truck, eats 125 lbs of food per day and drinks 25 gallons of water.  He is insured by Lloyds of London and is a pure wonder to observe.  He was standing just behind the tent, just a few feet away and it only costed a dollar to see this wonder of the world." 

This played over and over.  My kids begged me to let them go and I did.  According to them (and the camera phone photo they snuck), Sampson was the real deal.  He indeed lived up to the hype.

It made me think about performance management and self-assessment.  All of us know it's better to be confident than arrogant.  I preach this to every one of my workshop attendees.  It doesn't hurt though to know how to talk about our accomplishments in such a way that our boss wants to listen. 

Everything the recording told us about Sampson was real.  It highlighted his features and accomplishments.  There was no exaggeration and no boasting.  It simply laid out the facts, in an enthusiastic way, and we all plunked down a dollar to see him.

Think about that this week as you prepare your NSPS Self-Assessment, your input for your performance review, or just update your accomplishment journal.  Don't be afraid to talk about your accomplishments.  It's not bragging if  you describe facts in a humble but direct fashion.  After all, if we don't at least highlight our accomplishment, nobody will praise us.  And don't forget the most basic issue - are you doing things that make a difference at work that are worth highlighting?

Think about it this way.  If you were standing behind the tent waiting to be seen, would there be enough exciting features about your work performance to make your boss want pay to see you? 

I only hope Sampson gets a cut of the cash he earns!