So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

•  
  jon_camilleri@...08/19/08 Report as spam
  1

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  Personally, I have a bit of a problem dealing with these people. Being a bit what managers classify as 'clever guy', giving the impression (perhaps true) that I like to show that 'I know it all'; this tends to conflict with the 'control freak types' who in turn tap too much into my brain when "something pisses them off".
  
  So anyway, I've always avoided working with these kind of people and currently have to work with one, which gives me no other choice than to look for another job if I'm uncomfortable with it.
  
  My strategy of dealing with people who tend to mistrust anything that they cannot control them is simply to prove myself to them, or kiss up to them ...
  
  Basically, I just understand their expectations and try to prove that I'm fine with them; letting them know anyway when in disagreement, because honesty always helps build trust.
  
  For example today my boss assigned me a 'typist' because I had tons of documentation to write up. I thought it was a stupid idea to be honest, because, by principle I'm the one who should type up my own notes...personal reason. On the other hand I know he wants me to have the information typed up for "common sense" reasons (e.g. what if someone is on holiday and someone else needs the information, what if I move on to some other job etc etc)
  
  However, I did as he said after a bit and gave this part-timer a few notes to write up for me, and, after a while he came back saying 'good work'...so there I've earned 2 points...far off from a pat on the back but anyway

•  
  sbrennaman35408/19/08 Report as spam
  2

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  Responsibility (accountability) and authority, these should go hand in hand. Sometimes there is a disconnect as well as a person may be given the authority and responsibility but not given guidance on the limits of each.
  A person may seek responsibility as he/she may feel the need to be held accountable for his/her actions. But responsibility must be accompanied by authority or the arrangement may not be fair or ineffective. But authority does not necessarily mean power.
  Recognizing that authority is a crucial element within the overall spectrum of leadership, members of a team must have authority commensurate with their level of responsibility in order to foster teamwork and promote the success of the team.
  The root cause of the disconnect may well be a lack of preparation for the assumption of authority (training, experience) or a failure of the next level supervisor to provide the guidance necessary or providing an inadequate role model.

•  
  TimX41608/19/08 Report as spam
  3

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  My boss was born this way. I have had enough jobs in my career to see many types of management styles. This current one is a dousey - although there were some tell-tale signs ... long tenure at same company (pretty much entire working career), hard ass attitude and a few other not so flattering descriptions.
  
  I think the bigger question to answer is the impact of a bad manager on productivity and overall morale. The inability to allow their employees to expand and not be afraid to make a mistake - I don't even want to talk about he micromanagement and mixed communications. It has been 2 & 1/2 years and I have been looking forward to leaving the company for just about 2 years and 5 months. I decide not to leave for my own reasons, but the day will come that I never have to speak with my boss again, never have to get the gruff and terse emails, and never to be micromanaged again (by them).
  
  So - to all those out there...why do these people become authoritarians? Do they just see reality in a different light?
  
  Last thought - what about the senior managers that just overlook the 50% annual turnover rate of the department? That's food for though - are the authoritarians managers authoritarians themselves?
  
  Fun stuff - lots of laugh - almost enough laughs that I'm ready to apply at Home Depot for a totally mindless way of spending my day.
  
  Yahoo!!!

•  
  SandyMan108/19/08 Report as spam
  4

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  Authoritarian bosses are not born...they lack skill.
  They are unskilled, usually overpaid and ineffective.
  They make up for this lack of leadership with tactics
  long proven to be ineffective decades ago.
  
  They are dinosaurs and could be amazing leaders with
  extraordinary management acumen and exceptional
  attention to detail. They do not delegate, preserve trust
  or influence people to be the best they can be....(and
  in turn get the best results possible.) Authoritarian
  bosses fire instead of inspire and they weed instead of
  lead.

•  
  ultimobo@...08/19/08 Report as spam
  5

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  my previous boss was highly skilled in the technical job, and as often, got promoted despite his shyness. Perhaps as over-compensation, he presented a loud boisterous face to his subordinates, starting with a slam-the-cupboard to make a loud noise (and watch them jump!) typical entry to our work area.
  
  Many females had come and gone, simply choosing to leave quickly rather than put up with it until one day, an older female decided to confront him and tell him exactly how it was affecting all of us. Well ... he retreated to his cave and was not seen for some consideraable time after that - shattered may describe how he appeared to be. He had been dreaming that his loud style was being taken as friendly - how far way can you be ... wow.
  
  My 2 cents ...

•  
  Bhushan1908/19/08 Report as spam
  6

  It's the JEALOUSY factor as well

  I think it's the opportunities bestowed on the new generation making the SENIOR BOSSES feel jealous and making them the way they are.
  
  For Eg. I started my career at the age of 23 and by the time I was 26, I rose up to the Managerial level, by bosses who are GM or VP took 10 years in their career to reach there.
  
  The FACT makes them uncomfortable and they make sure that "YOU ARE NOT OK"

•  
  psd1941@...08/19/08 Report as spam
  7

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  It is always a three way affair:
  (1) If reared under authoritarian culture, boss will definitely be authoritarian;
  
  (2) If as a policy during induction training by the organization he is taught that he is born to rule and is a rule making authority, the boss would like to be authoritarian; and
  
  (3) Some persons are of a thinking if they won't use the authority, they may not be recognized as boss.

•  
  harkul08/19/08 Report as spam
  8

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  Some of the posts here are truly right on, and give great analysis on the subject. However, my take on an authoritarian boss is such that, unless he is a proven leader, and while authoritative, still able to come our fair at the other end, I will not tolerate this type of person at all. And no one else should either. Yes I know, often times the pay is good, sometimes even, the only pay, and so you got to do what you got to do, but not for months on end, certainly not for years. These types of people need to be taken down as soon as possible before their poison will infiltrate the company and sicken everybody.

•  
  Dre'08/19/08 Report as spam
  9

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  You also have to differentiate as to weather they are authoritarian or a Corporate Phsycopath which becomes a whole new subject entirely.

•  
  raptor12308/20/08 Report as spam
  10

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  Interesting subject and I am asure there are as many views as there are differing styles of management. I have been a manager since the age of 27, now 58. I have been blessed with training and support to enhance my management skills to MSc level.
  
  I believe managers are often promoted into the position because of their techical expertese not necessarily because they have displayed any management aptitude. Thus, events portrayed in this thread are not unusual reactions to situations people find themselves in when they are given a role for which they have not been given educational support or mentoring to allow them to understand how to be a good manager

•  
  Wetbehindtheears08/20/08 Report as spam
  11

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  The boss and employees are rarely completely separate entities. Like a tire and a wheel one is ineffective without the other. If not, one should do both jobs. One post talks about those who move ahead to management then change their mannerisms. It is natural to use entry jobs as trial and then to believe with promotions that you have the "right stuff." Once convinced and confident in the fact that you are right (sometimes too often) then more information from subordinates is a requirement to dislodge artifacts managers cling to believing that it is good for the company/themselves/hopefully their employees.
  
  Resistence to open communication is a fault at all levels, but increasingly visible when looking up at the heirarchy. This communication will change from an "equal" status to senior subordinate status. Both parties play a role in successfully transitioning. The subordinate who was an "equal" must now regard the new status of the promoted senior. The senior has to maintain control/appearance of control for the sake of all. An organization that has unclear lines of authority is doomed to uncertainty and that is more frustrating for all than a single authoritarian.
  
  The senior is responsible stepping back and ensuring that each subordinate has a means to bring forward information, not accepting each opinion. The responsibility and the decision is ultimately thiers, so is accountability for production/turnover/etc.

•  
  TownsendA@...08/20/08 Report as spam
  12

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  Besides some mental adjustments - its also about knowing where the boudaries of behaviour lie. The big problem is many new bosses and some old ones have no clue as to when they have gone over the top or have been non-assetive. Bosses and employees need to know their rights and their boundaries.
  Bosses also need to be treated like they treat others - heard this adage before? - its thousands of years old and it works.

•  
  DebF08/20/08 Report as spam
  13

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  I'm a bit baffled that people think an authoritarian boss is the only kind of bad boss. Surely a weak boss can be just as bad? The people who shout and bully their staff are doing that because they don't want to be perceived as weak, vacillating and indecisive - because they have observed that people who display those traits are not respected and don't get results.

•  
  clickoncopy@...08/20/08 Report as spam
  14

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  Interesting thread, and some good points about the
  difference between 'authority'/'authoritarianism' and
  just plain bullying.
  
  As a long-time boss (first management role over 30
  years ago) and now my own boss I do know a little
  about this and I'd certainly take issue with jon_camilleri's post at he head of this thread. Sounds
  to me like this is a guy who just doesn't like doing
  what he's told - " I thought it was a stupid idea... I'm
  the one who should type up my own notes...personal
  reason". In other words, his personal opinion matters
  more than the effective running of the business. He's
  objecting to what sounds to me like his boss providing
  some very useful support to ensure that the team
  works better - many employees complain that they
  don't get enough support and resources. I'm sure that
  JC is a talented and useful individual, but his
  contribution highlights the other side of the
  'authoritarian' question - which is, how do you
  effectively manage a smartarse?

•  
  john.piper@...08/20/08 Report as spam
  15

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  My current boss must have been born this way. She refuses to see her style as degrading and disrespectful of staff. I have worked for her 8 years (I'm a glutton for pain) and have pushed for and almost clawed respect from her. It has been difficult. A couple years ago I had to go to her boss for help. I now have some limited respect from her, however, the other staff are minions for her whims. Her strength is that she is all business and gets people to get the work done. On paper that looks great, in matters of retention she looses many people because she fails in one point: she beleives a monkey can do any job and that no one deserves anything other than to do the job she places before them and to be happy they have a job. HR has had several claims from previous employees that seem to fade after they're gone.
  
  She must have been born this way. She can't have chosen to be so inhumane to her richest resource - the people working for her. I cannot beleive she could choose that for herself.

•  
  v_saro@...08/20/08 Report as spam
  16

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  Also I noticed people saying or doing "I've had enough and now I must change job because my boss's attitude is not acceptable.
  If you are sure that you are right, then he is the one who must be looking for a job and not you. If he is the owner of the company, then yes, you dont have much choice. Its his company. But if he is not, and he is also an employee, reporting to others, then do not hesitate to drag him to the top managment and make them know the facts. Many times this can work too.
  S.

•  
  JerseyCurmudgeon08/20/08 Report as spam
  17

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  A better question would be: "How did an authoritarian manage to become your boss?"
  
  Some authoritarians are born, some are made, and some are a combination of both. In almost all cases, an authoritarian manager reflects a corporate culture that rewards authoritarian behavior.
  
  Most companies have a command-and-control culture. In this type of culture, an authoritarian management style is the only one that is rewarded. An authoritarian style can actually work, but only if the manager does not act arbitrarily, or engage in truly malicious behavior.

•  
  jenyj8908/20/08 Report as spam
  18

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  My boss I'm talking about started out as an Intern here many years ago...was nothing outstanding, did decent enough work, went on with his career path in his intern program...then our Squadron Deputy position came open and he applied (having finished his internship)....then, LO AND BEHOLD, he was picked, sight unseen...the youngest Deputy Commander for Civil Engineering.
  
  He came in with pre-formed notions about people he remembered working with previously, people he wanted to "get back " at for his own perceptions of wrongs he had suffered. He felt he was wronged because there were 2 other GS-13s other than him (both had over 20+ years govt. service each), that made more $ than him and HE had all the responsibility!!
  
  Over the years he's had numerous EEO and Union cases filed against him...he has currently about 5 EEO cases and a few more Union grievances...yet no one seems to see the pattern and do anything!!
  
  He has no visible friends (his mother bought him a cat to help him not be alone and he named him Stupid), no visible ex- or current girlfriend or wife...no kids...not male friends, holidays he visits brothers and family...lives in condo with cat and computer.
  
  MY personal opinion...he was born this way and became work through his work but he is an authoritarian sociciopath. He enjoys the suffering of others...and has gotten quite good at it. It's ruined my old office and is slowing pulling our squadron apart too.

•  
  Conan108/20/08 Reported as spam
  19

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  "Acting out" dictatorial tendencies when assuming more responsibilities is merely projecting one's inner weakness(es) onto others. It reflects a character flaw of inner insecurity over a disruption of the previous status quo.

•  
  dchr08/20/08 Report as spam
  20

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  I have the feeling that Toni's guy was only engaging before because it suited his purpose. He knew that you have to act that way with colleagues but has a preset idea on how to deal with subordinates. Either way, I'd guess he was born with it and the structure, lack of self-awareness, and expectations from above allow it to continue.

•  
  openly black08/20/08 Report as spam
  21

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  I'm an internal OD Consultant and have had to work with (and coach) any number of "bad" bosses. Commentator John Dean has analyzed the authoritarian mentality in significant detail, albeit in a political context, and his analysis of the extant research is applicable to the work environment.
  
  Begin with the premise that, more often than not, people behave the way the do because that behavior is (somehow) reinforced. In other words, there???s usually some sort of ???payoff??? for how authoritarians behave. I have found that payoff to be either internal or external.
  
  For some of my clients their authoritarian behavior is a function of a lack of emotional maturity. They are seduced by the power of their position and assume an almost uber-parental posture ??? ???I have all the authority, and all the responsibility, therefore you will do as I say because I know best???. Their fear of failure is exponentially greater than their fear of offence. Thus, they micromanage activity, over control process and berate those who do not comply. In their view they are ?????? getting the job done???.
  
  In other cases, the organization ??? implicitly, tacitly or overtly ??? reinforces the authoritarian???s ???command and control??? behavior. Results are valued over process; the ???ends??? are justified by any means possible; production is more important than people. Customer satisfaction becomes an ideology and, while that can be a strength, any strength taken to excess rapidly becomes a weakness.

•  
  fortejuly08/20/08 Report as spam
  22

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  I find that a number of the authoritarian types are first time bosses or bosses that are promoted within there own department. They are living with :will they respect me int he morning" and often trying to find their way. Talk to them privately about the transition and bring them back to earth through support.

•  
  teimgr08/20/08 Report as spam
  23

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  This is a great discussion and I have enjoyed reading the different postings. I am a manager and have been so for almost 30 years. In that time I have come to realize that managers/leaders have two very basic and important lessons to learn. How they learn or not learn these lessons will in large part determine what kind of a manager or leader they become.
  The first lesson deals with ego. Learn the lesson well and managers will understand that their job is overhead. It is the people that work for them that make them successful. While managers want to be successful, it is only through the hands, hearts, and minds of those that are working for them that they can achieve success. If a manager looks at it this way, and controls the ego, she/he can be a great boss. If they do not learn the lesson, they can be a tyrant. Ego has a way of getting in the middle of everything that a manager does if it is not controlled.
  Ego prevents a manager from trusting those that work for them. Ego allows a person to think they have all the answers and makes them hard learners. Ego makes it hard to listen to another person ideas. Ego makes it very difficult if not impossible to admit mistakes. Ego makes it difficult to make a change when one is needed either with people, or culture, or processes. And the list goes on and on.
  Jim Collins in his book Good to Great found that leaders of great companies had a strong personal humility. They had learned the lesson well.
  The second lesson managers/leaders need to learn deals with Emotional Intelligence. Many managers may have a good IQ but their EQ lacks significantly. Daniel Goleman???s work on the subject indicated that EQ is a higher indicator of success than IQ is. The lesson managers need to learn is to be able to look in the mirror and recognize who they are, what their weaknesses and strengths are, and come clean with themselves as to their capabilities. Dave Anderson writes in his book Up your Business, that effective leaders are more self aware than their less successful counterparts. They lead by personal example. They realize that they have to earn the right to lead every day from those that they lead and the company they work for.
  I have learned that when bosses learn these two lessons well, they are great people to work for. When they do not they are simply awful.
  Let me quick to add this does not mean that bosses who have learned these lessons well are meek and mild persons. Quite to the contrary. Bosses like this do fire people when they are not doing the job. But fear and intimidation is not their normal way of being the boss. It is through building relationships. And when a boss like this does have to let someone go, most people will end up saying they deserved to be fired.
  So in closing, I don???t think bosses are born nasty, they failed to learn 2 very important lessons that made them that way

•  
  dryheat4508/20/08 Report as spam
  24

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  I left a bad boss after 10 years, where I must admit I learned a great deal.. of what not to do. He was the owner's son, being groomed for the mantle of President, and he was a classic jerk, personally and professionally. He, too, thought no one could possibly be smarter or know how to do anything better than he did. This is not to say he wasn't intelligent (I should have added arrogant to the description), but if I wanted something implemented it required that I make it look like he thought of it. My immediate supervisor now is the COO of the company and, while firm and demanding, he is the best boss I've ever had. He actively seeks my counsel and heeds it. His rule is, if you need micromanaged then you're not the right person for the job. I work in the manufacturing industry and anyone familiar with the Toyota Production System knows an integral part of it is input from the rank and file all the way down to the guy sweeping the floor. This is also tagged as Lean Manufacturing where anything not contributing to the production process is waste, including bad managers. American companies have picked through the carcass but rarely implement the entire philosophy. This is really too bad since the part usually ignored deals with this very subject. I think this can be linked to managers who fear their jobs would be in jepoardy if it was used, but the fact is this helps them become better managers since employees who have a say feel connected to the process and the company. It also means they're more productive. Wetbehindtheears sounds like he's reading from the manual. Whether born or bred, bad managers cost your company valuable assets (trained personnel) and money and must be eliminated. I feel for jenyj89 since, as a government entity, it is next to impossible to remove people from places of authority no matter how bad they are. I saw this unfortunate fact of life in the military also.

•  
  MaleconGringo08/20/08 Report as spam
  25

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  May times it is the environment itself. I worked for a worldwide restaurant chain for over 13 years and the focus on financial results overruled how to manage/treat people. Women had trouble moving up the ladder and it seemed like they had to prove themselves more and unfortunately that usually meant they acted more like a tyrant. Remind you this was in the 80's, so ladies please do not chastise me. Some may say I had lost my mind staying there for 13 years, but they had a way of brainwashing you to make you think you were not capable of doing anything else.
  
  After that stint I moved to an airline caterer and was again involved in an organization that had very rigid quality guidelines (as any company should have) but with managers who only shouted and yelled when something went wrong.
  
  So, after more than 17 years of exposure to tough management styles of course this has an influence on how someone is going to manage maybe good and maybe bad. Change is not impossible and has taken place, but the bottom line is managers can be "Made Bad."

•  
  phasetwo@...08/20/08 Report as spam
  26

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  It's the age-old question: do you have to be an a**hole to climb the corporate ladder or does climbing the ladder make you an a**hole. Ultimate solution: self-employment. Then you only have to deal with them for a couple of hours at a time.

•  
  colm.toomey08/20/08 Report as spam
  27

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  There are certain staff who will object to any "boss". It's a two way street.

•  
  robw28731@...08/20/08 Report as spam
  28

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  It's an interesting topic that goes beyond the business place. I can re-call my Army Reservist days where the very worst disciplinarians as NCOs, and the biggest problem for the Officer corps, was the guy who was a produce manager in a supermarket and once he got his three stripes on his arm, the power and authority simply went out of control. I've also had my opportunity to work for and with the same type in the business world, and I've developed a rather bizarre list of character traits that coincide with the syndrome; Small things like the quality and quantity of personal "executive stationary" they demand, or using hours of PR time to review the quantity and placement of their names in trade show materials. I've summed it up as an out-of-control ego unsubstantiated by self-esteem. I'm currently completing my dissertation on executive compensation and corporate ethics which seemingly have a indirect proportional relationship - the more they're paid, the more corrupt they tend to be - and found an interesting study which correlated the amount of "face-space" allocated to executives in annual reports and their williness to "bend the rules." In this instance, it was directly proportional.
  Go figure...

•  
  nwakeman08/20/08 Report as spam
  29

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  Power seems to either inspire or corrupt people. Bad bosses are probably created by giving them power over others. Some people take that responsibility and become leaders that inspire and motivate. Others take it and become dictators. The problem with the dictators is that they demotivate and demoralize their teams so their approach works against them. In the end, they generally fail.

•  
  Somabot08/20/08 Report as spam
  30

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  Isn't there a difference between "authoritarian" and "micromanaging"?
  
  I worked for someone who I would describe as authoritarian, yet quite likeable. There would be bad times, we would get yelled at like we were at the principle's office. As the lower counterpart I had to smooth things over with the team. And the pressure translated into people getting things done, if unhappily.
  
  I think an interesting question is how to motivate people. People react differently and everyone has their own style of preferred rapport. How do you run a productive team? Understand each member's working aura and respond accordingly.
  
  That being said, there are some things about us that we just can't change and therefore must deal with in a working relationship. Annoyance can be replaced with a sense of challenge at how to navigate the situation. This isn't 'sucking up', it's strategy for harmony, or the best you can strive for.
  
  Maybe I'm just in the clouds of optimism...

•  
  zxbir08/20/08 Report as spam
  31

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  I have had more than my share of such supervisors. Obviously I cannot change others but the one crucial lesson I have learned is not to capitulate to such unreasonable people.
  
  Now I keep the door open for all possibilities - if I cant deal my supervisor, I just move on. No point getting stressed out and worrying about. It is a big world out there and there are many better career opportunities and better people. I just focus on building my skills.
  
  Again it is not advise for others. It is just my style ...

•  
  cdt@...08/20/08 Report as spam
  32

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  Hey, the boss is a person (period). I don't believe that there is such a thing as a bad boss or a good boss. I believe that all of us are leaders in process.
  
  Leadership styles vary because of personality and the situation. Followers need different leadership styles given different situations. In some situations, the authoritarian style may be needed. Just imagine a general leading a troop who is facing a combat attack and asking his men for consensus on the defense plan.
  
  The authoritarian style surfaces often in a boss who had become successful using that style in the past. I've known bosses who became more versatile in approach once they experience success with other styles.
  
  Christine Tomas
  HR Manager

•  
  Adrian Fair08/21/08 Report as spam
  33

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  Where is the rest of the story?

•  
  junaidzafar08/21/08 Report as spam
  34

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  when he sees in my present his past and in my future his present

•  
  cdt@...08/22/08 Report as spam
  35

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  In a bad relationship between a boss and a subordinate, bad behaviors exhibited by either are prolonged because there is no feedback from the other.
  
  I've had bosses in past who were authoritarian at the wrong time but if i give them gentle feedback they try to correct themselves. sure the behavior goes back from time to time because old habits die hard but then i just keep giving feedback. sometimes they dont appreciate it right away. but eventually they do.
  
  a lot of how our bosses are also is because of the subordinates and how they react to the bosses.

•  
  warpuck@...08/23/08 Report as spam
  36

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  I completly under stand jeny89 situation. I currently am employed by the Dept. of Vet. Affairs (12 yrs). In this outfit it is not uncommon to encounter a person that is addicted to authority. Many of these "professionals" exhibit behavior that the super nanny is called in to correct. I see it as childish behavior that they can finally revert back to.
  
  You would think that the military (32 yrs) would be a haven for the the uber authoritarian. That system does a pretty good job of eliminating the pushers and shovers and promoting the leaders. I have rarely ever heard a general or admiral ever raise their voice. That is because they are doing as much listening as talking. The NCO that uses the authoritarian pattern rarely goes beyound E-7, because when dealing with people in the upper NCO ranks you have to deal with the knowledge of the the system others have. Senoir NCO have input to the officer career path of an aspiring Hitler that generally stifles their ambition. In the civil service system, a authority addict can continue clog the system with inefficientcy because the effective lanes of contact to those who can control their behavior does not exist. Many of the come to civil service because Vet re-ajustment act. If you get passed over, apply for the open GS8-up jobs appropriate to your zero rank and the the goverment will plug you in and provide your the entrenching tool.
  In general if you encounter a small business owners that cannot seem to be able to grow past a certain point then it is because they cant find a middle manager that will tolerate their behavior. Selection of authority addicts as managers is useful only if you need someone to pry people out of their complacentcy aka hatchet manager. That does not mean you allow that person to entrench thierself into that position.
  I am going to retire again, so I dont care if my current managerial nightmare, correction abberation reads this
  
  Reminder; The floggings will continue till morale improves

•  
  Graphicsman08/26/08 Report as spam
  37

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  I'm a new boss. I've been learning a lot by reading bnet over the past year, as well as from experience on the employee end. I realize that you don't get happy employees by being overly-dominant, Yet my employer insists that I use a stronger hand when dealing with employees. I know I have lost some respect by not being a more aggressive manager, but in my field the employees are easily lost to better-paying, lower-stress jobs and I am afraid of managing them out the door.
  I'm the friendly guy in real life, as suggested in the article, and I don't think I should change that just because I am the head of a department. That being said, I've been passed over for certain opportunities, and some employees have described me as being too passive, when my intent had been to allow them to be productive at a pace that is comfortable for them. If I change, would my employees be creating me as an Authoritarian??

•  
  janetz09/05/08 Report as spam
  38

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  Consider that one can only become an authoritarian boss in a company culture that at best, tolerates it, and at worst, encourages it.
  
  Thus the place to look may not be to the person, themselves, but to the company and the culture of the company in which an authoritarian style is the preferred style for management.
  
  If you consider that, then what might be important is to investigate how to alter the culture of the company. Not easy, but possible.

•  
  teimgr09/10/08 Report as spam
  39

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  graphicsman.... how can I get in touch with you?

•  
  pk87209/16/08 Report as spam
  40

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  There's a great conceptual breakthrough that's been made - it's the 'system' that makes bosses turn into authoritarian dictators. Read this book - 'Why your boss is programmed to be a dictator', or you can read a free summary at http://www.changethis.com/19.BossDictator

•  
  catmattice09/18/08 Report as spam
  41

  Research shows they act that way for many reasons

  Authoritative bosses act that way for many different reasons - including that they learned it from someone along the way, and are modeling that behavior. Authoritative boss behaviors are also associated with narcissism, high negativity thresholds and low self-esteem. Further, if a boss has trouble articulating needs or feels he or she can't seem to communicate effectively, often bullying is the result, because it seems to work. In addition, just as you might be motivated by rewards or acknowledgement, or money, authoritative bosses are motivated by the feeling of power.
  
  What can you do? Use your body language to ensure he or she understands you are not to be treated that way. Look him or her in the eye, stand with your feet firmly planted on the ground, and hold your head high. These managers will only pick on those yielding to their authoritative style.
  
  www.NoWorkplaceBullies.com

•  
  barcodeguy09/19/08 Report as spam
  42

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  I have worked for great bosses who led by example and were not afraid to do any task they asked of a subordinate. They were also willing to support and encourage ideas that might not have been quite in line with corporate edicts. I have also found that as robw28731 says, many bosses and company owners rise to the position of unethecial and possibly illegal behavior to maintain their control and power. When a co-worker commented that he didn't, "learn new employees names until they'd been with the company at least six months", the bad boss problem really hit home. My best bosses have been the ones who were secure in their competence enough to lead, listen, and encourage, without intimidation or grandstanding.

•  
  jentimus10/08/08 Report as spam
  43

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  I've had the same boss who has worked for two very-different managers. When she worked for a manager who was compassionate and encouraged group participation, my boss did too. When that person left and my boss now worked for a more dictatorial manager, her style changed radically to a my-way-or-the-highway style.
  
  With that in mind, I think my boss is simply emulating her supervisor's style - the only model she has to work with.
  
  But I also think perception has a lot to do with it - at one point she had time to listen & discuss, but with her new manager she has many more responsibilities. To get her job done, she often has to just make the decision without input & that change comes across as authoritarian, especially for those if us who have known her when she was less stressed.
  
  It's hard to take sometimes, but understanding why she changed helps - look at the cause, not just the symptom.

•  
  mktgpharma11/06/08 Report as spam
  44

  RE: So When Did Your Boss Become an Authoritarian?

  In this story there are always 3 levels:
  - The president (at the top)
  - Your boss
  - You
  
  The President of the company will dictate some objetives and strategies that must be done. Of course he can do that because most of the times he is the owner of the company.
  The only objective of your boss will be to fullfil the desires of the President to show him how good he is. In order to be "successful" he will step on you and the rest of your collaegues. As a result, you (and your fellows) will learn what you have to do (in order to avoid problems). From now on your behaviour will be conditioned by these actions (that you have to take for surviving) and not by the actions that as a professional you should take to do a good job.
  
  We can see how the top of the pyramid "influences" the next levels. The name of the game is "SURVIVE" and in order to do that your only objective should be to concentrate on how you can solve the objectives of your boss (forget about anyother issue or thema)
  THE BEHAVIOUR OF THE BOSS WILL PRODUCE A REACTION IN THE WORKER AND HE WILL BEHAVE ACCORDING TO IT.