An absentee landlord, this boss cultivates a mythical status in the office that instills both fear and loathing among employees. In her absence, rumors fill the void: Is she lunching with Bill Gates? Skiing in Vale? Running a developing country? Who knows?

aka: The Invisible Manager, Amelia Earhart, Out of Office Reply

How to handle: Be a team player. Oddly, missing bosses can unintentionally cultivate tighter workplaces, as employees band together to get things done.