Are You a Positive or a Negative Boss?
By William P. Fisher, Ph.D.
William P. Fisher, Ph.D. is the Darden Chair in the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. A former CEO of the National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel and Lodging Association he is the recipient of numerous awards including the CHRIE Educator of the Year, the Michael E. Hurst Award for Educational Excellence, and is a Diplomat of the National Restaurant Association's Educational Foundation. An author and noted speaker, he serves on corporate boards in concert with his consulting assignments. A former U.S. Air Force Officer, he is a graduate of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration.
I am sure that in your lifetime you have experienced both positive and negative bosses. Think back in your career and you can likely bring to mind images of both kinds. We may have thought that the “good” bosses were the ones we could relate to, had leadership qualities, had a command of their responsibilities and had a sincere interest in our development. The “bad” ones were often the flip side of their counterparts, but in addition often didn’t like their position or themselves very much, and emanated cynicism and sarcasm. I have had some colleagues that could fit in both categories as well. I find the characteristics evidenced by the positive bosses and the negative ones fascinating. Here are 30 things I have noticed. Recognize anyone?
- Positive bosses smile. Negative bosses frown!
- Positive bosses are supportive. Negative bosses are demeaning!
- Positive bosses are people-centered. Negative bosses are self-centered!
- Positive bosses are leaders. Negative bosses are tyrants!
- Positive bosses voice optimism. Negative bosses voice skepticism!
- Positive bosses find answers. Negative bosses find fault!
- Positive bosses pre-plan. Negative bosses are disorganized!
- Positive bosses compliment employees. Negative bosses ridicule employees!
- Positive bosses are intellectually curious. Negative bosses are intellectually stagnant!
- Positive bosses assist people. Negative bosses resist people!
- Positive bosses are flexible. Negative bosses are stubborn!
- Positive bosses have a sense of humor. Negative bosses have a sense of gloom!
- Positive bosses think with a cool head. Negative bosses think with a hot head!
- Positive bosses act with a warm heart. Negative bosses act with a cold heart!
- Positive bosses see the big picture. Negative bosses think they are the picture!
- Positive bosses are inspiring. Negative bosses are insensitive!
- Positive bosses appreciate their colleagues. Negative bosses depreciate their colleagues!
- Positive bosses are approachable. Negative bosses are haughty!
- Positive bosses are conscientious. Negative bosses don’t care!
- Positive bosses respect others. Negative bosses deride others!
- Positive bosses are trusting. Negative bosses are suspicious!
- Positive bosses are productive. Negative bosses are petty!
- Positive bosses are motivated. Negative bosses go through the motions!
- Positive bosses are highly spirited. Negative bosses are mean-spirited!
- Positive bosses are committed. Negative bosses are indifferent!
- Positive bosses are confident. Negative bosses are insecure!
- Positive bosses are optimistic. Negative bosses are pessimistic!
- Positive bosses are courteous. Negative bosses are offensive!
- Positive bosses are propellers. Negative bosses are anchors!
- Positive bosses live. Negative bosses exist!
