Do You know what a bad boss does to you? I’ve had different kinds of bosses & the worst of them — they don’t even know how to lead. They’re relying on excuses, fuzzy solutions or just plain old dismissive language rather than leading, helping or advising the team.
This is frustrating because at one point we start feeling like we’re on our own. And over time, I’ve heard certain phrases that show when a boss doesn’t know how to manage people & handle situations well. Today, I will be sharing with you 10 things they say that shout — “I don’t know how to lead.”
Featured Image Credit: Puwadon Sang-ngern /Pexels.com.
“That’s Not My Problem”
When a boss tells you this, it is like a slap in the face. It conveys that the leader isn’t committed or interested in helping the team get things done. If, for instance, a project gets put off because of insufficient resources & the boss excuses himself by saying, “Oh that’s not my fault,” he clearly doesn’t know what to do.
“We’ve Always Done It This Way”
This catchphrase is used when someone puts forward an innovative thought or a strategy. Instead of being more open-minded, the boss shuts it down on this justification. I think they just hate change or are too lazy to think otherwise.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
“Just Figure It Out”
When a boss says this, he is literally making you swim in the ocean without a life jacket. Instead of supporting or guiding you, they abandon you to struggle on your own. If you are tackling something that you don’t have expertise in & need help, this saying silences you.
“I Don’t Have Time for This”
This is the catchphrase that makes you feel your problems don’t matter. Be it a conflict with a colleague or an idea on a project, a boss who says this is absolving them of their duty of listening & responding.
“I Need This Done Yesterday”
When bosses tell you this, they’re usually compensating for their bad planning. Instead of scheduling and working properly, they insist on impossible deadlines & put all the responsibility on you. They may, for example, drop a huge project on your desk at 4 p.m. & ask you to keep it ready by the next morning.
“Why Can’t You Just Do Your Job?”
This expression is pure blame, and it doesn’t solve anything. If an employee is not doing so well, it’s the boss’s job to understand & lead. But instead, this sentence just closes people off. Let’s say you are stuck with unspecific instructions and you get this — “Why can’t you just go to work?” — It’s hostile & makes you question yourself.
“Don’t Question Me”
Good managers like to have questions & conversations but an insecure boss regards them as a danger. For instance, if you’re telling your team leader how to work differently on a project & he’s like – “Don’t question me” – he is not interested in collaborating.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Read More:
