Change Begins In The Head "The boss is only human."
- Martin Braecker
- Dec 12, 2022
- 4 min read
A former colleague used to say: "The boss is only human."

This is not meant to sound derogatory, but rather as an indication that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses and maybe one or the other quirk. And of course, that also applies to people in management levels. So, the boss isn't always the boss. The individual boss types are just as fundamentally different as people are.
Now superiors can be divided into 6 basic types and each type requires a different "dealing with".
Diplomatic skills and a good dose of human knowledge are therefore advantageous for the professional success of the employees.
Based on the following explanations, you will learn about the different types of bosses and how you can best get along with them. Of course, one does not always find supervisors in the pure form listed below, but far more often a mixture of these basic types.
It's early practice if you want to be a boss...
1. THE LAID-BACK, CHUMMY TYPE
Most employees prefer such managers. Sometimes this type also gives the appearance of lacking authority. That might be the case for some.
But beware! You should never take advantage of that good nature. This can have negative consequences. Because even if this guy maintains a very friendly and relaxed relationship with his employees and they call each other first names, you shouldn't overstrain his "room for maneuver". After all, the manager has to work for the company goal and is responsible for this.
If the individual employees don't function as one would expect from one's staff, then even the nicest boss will have to take the consequences. Therefore, you should appreciate the friendly nature of your manager and work with dedication precisely for this reason.
A friendly and relaxed atmosphere is good for the working atmosphere and thus promotes joy at work.
2. THE SERIOUS AND NO-NONSENSE TYPE
If your boss is a down-to-earth, matter-of-fact person, it will be difficult for you to establish a friendly (working) relationship with this person, which is not always desirable anyway.
This type of manager likes to give instructions and is usually very reserved even towards long-standing employees.
Such bosses are usually not interested in the private lives of their employees and judge them purely on their performance. And that, in turn, can be an advantage.
Because objectively thinking superiors are in most cases very fair and treat their employees extremely fairly, without having a personal preference for one or the other colleague based on emotions. But pragmatic bosses also demand a high degree of discipline and aspiration.
How to deal with this guy?
You can win over such a person if you practice polite and at the same time friendly reserve. You will also score points if you always meet the specified deadlines and report factually and project-related during discussions.
However, never talk to him about trivial things that have nothing to do with the business unless he or she starts it.
3. THE NARCISSISTIC TYPE
Narcissistic superiors think a lot of themselves - rather less of the employees.
Such types always believe they are right, don't let other people finish their arguments, and are so confident and self-assured that doubting their infallibility can be detrimental to an employee.
Therefore, it often makes more sense to hold back with justified criticism. You should also keep your distance from well-intentioned suggestions for improvement. To put it somewhat exaggeratedly, whatever you do, remember that you are not working in a democracy, but under a dictatorship.
What's the best way to get along with this boss guy?
It's easy to please a narcissist. Just say yes and amen to everything, never put it down, and express your admiration even when you secretly disagree. In this way you prevent that you offend and thus have your peace.
4. THE NONDESCRIPT GUY
At first glance, this type of boss hardly differs from an ordinary employee. Because instead of bursting with self-confidence and radiating the required authority, such superiors feel most comfortable when they are not perceived by their colleagues as superior.
In many cases, these managers are overwhelmed by their role and are secretly afraid of making wrong decisions and taking on responsibility. Such people are very insecure and lack self-confidence. This type is rather unsuitable for a management position.
Because the manager should support his employees and be a rock in the surf.
But of course, you should never say that to this boss type, even if some employees have long exploited their weakness and more or less do whatever they want. Be a useful support to him and fulfill the function of an adviser. He will thank you.
5. THE ORDER FANATIC
For some managers, order is the be-all and end-all. Therefore, such people expect iron discipline and a clean, conscientious working style from their employees. Meticulous attention is also paid to meeting deadlines and working hours.
Order fanatics find it difficult to accept sudden changes and tolerate irregularities. In addition, such people often suffer from the need to control and perfect everything.
And how to deal with it?
If you want to get along with such a boss type, then you don't want to be uncomfortable with order and discipline. Always be on time, dress appropriately, and be sure to abide by the—often unspoken—rules. Unusual or unconventional suggestions are neither expected nor welcome.
6. THE SELF-PROMOTER
In many companies there are managers who tend to extreme self-portrayal.
Such people always attract attention - through their clothes, their language, their grand gestures. They love the grand entrance, the theatrical.
A fake smile reveals that a TV presenter has been lost in this person. They are very confident in themselves and are often overly protective of their employees. After all, it is a gesture of generosity to give help and advice to those who are weaker.
But beware!
At least that's how it is in good times, when everything is going smoothly, and the boss wants it. If something doesn't go according to plan, the tide turns, and the self-promoter takes out his anger on those who are weaker - and that's usually the employees.
Such bosses also do not tolerate rivals who can do something better than themselves. So hold back a little, even if it is difficult to hide one's talents.
Did you recognize your boss in one of the types mentioned?
Of course, this is only a rough classification. As a rule, there are probably several mixed types, because people rarely allow themselves to be pigeonholed.
Keep smiling....
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