Is there a bad boss?

Dec 06, 2010

JAMES, a supervisor in city organisation, has passion, belief and prides in every thing he does. He expects the same from his subordinates. He oversees every step of work that his juniors do. This nags employees.

By Viqué-Ocean Kahinju
JAMES, a supervisor in city organisation, has passion, belief and prides in every thing he does. He expects the same from his subordinates. He oversees every step of work that his juniors do. This nags employees.

“Oh! I dislike my boss because he is so nosy, demanding and critical. And what a toxic boss he is,” workers often throw tantrums.

According to Christopher Bagorogoza, a human resource consultant in Kampala, it is common for employees to think their boss is bad.

“Employees perceive their boss’ strictness as being crude. Others feel worthless and think the boss is micro-managing all their tasks,” he clarifies. Why shouldn’t a boss help junior workers achieve their targets?

Siegfried Wainaina, an HR consultant in Kampala, asserts it is vital to differentiate between a hands-off manager and the nit-picker that workers accuse of micro-managing and criticising whatever they do. The former is a non-motivational boss.

“Human beings, naturally, have a tendency to relax if not pushed. Often, workers overlook their targets and constantly postpone assignments or procrastinate,” he adds.

He says in order to check such behaviour, supervisors have to push their juniors, in one way or the other, thus breeding good and responsible drive to achieve work targets timely.

“Does this make a manager a bad boss?” asks Wainaina. “If we don’t provide direction as leaders, how can we ensure productivity of employees?” he asks.

Nevertheless, employees need to adjust to the boss’ workstyle. “Employees need constant correction and guidance to do their duties well,” he cautions.
Wainaina notes that when junior workers are not guided, they end up like lost sheep.

Bagorogoza asserts that there is nothing like a bad boss unless one abuses work ethics. “Bosses are not rough as perceived by workers. They need to have work done to achieve the company’s targets,” he explains.

He, however, advises that any misunderstanding between the ‘bad bosses’ need to be handled professionally to avoid conflicts at work.

“When a boss is aloof, bullies, belittles, encroaches on workers privacy or sexually harasses his juniors, he is a bad boss,” he explains.

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