Bosses come in many varieties, all with unique strengths and weaknesses. Here are the 12 most common types of bosses. Do you recognize yourself, or someone you know?
-- Geoffrey James (Twitter: @Sales_Source )
Description: You're all about the future and where you can take the company.Strength: You create a reality-distortion field that makes people believe they can do the impossible.Weakness: You get impatient with anybody who can't help make your vision into reality.Role Model: Steve Jobs
Description: You believe that following the rules will lead to gradual success.Strength: You're predictable, straightforward and generally easy to work for and with.Weakness: You tend to micromanage and lose track of the "big picture."Role Model: Dilbert's PHB (Pointy-Haired Boss)
Description: You're all about winning, regardless of who gets in your way.Strength: You can be incredibly charming--and your team always wins turf battles.Weakness: You'll (figuratively) stab employees and colleagues in the back when it suits your purpose.Role Model: Cruella De Vil
Description: You were an engineer--and a good one--before you were promoted.Strength: You've got world's best BS detector, especially during meetings with marketing.Weakness: You keep using references to Star Trek and Star Wars during business discussions.Role Models: Bill Gates
Description: You've been around since the days of the three-martini lunch.Strength: You've seen it all and know how the system works.Weakness: You keep telling the same "war stories" over and over and over ...Role Model: Jack Welch
Description: You're all about "consensus building" and "creating a community."Strength: You get everyone's input before making a decision.Weakness: You delay making any decision that might make somebody unhappy.Role Models: Ben and Jerry
Description: You broke all the records and won major business ... back when you were in sales.Strength: You know how to sell and aren't shy about sharing your opinion.Weakness: You want to close deals yourself, rather than help your employees close them.Role Model: Ahem--you know who you are.
Description: You absolutely believe that management means "command and control."Strength: Nobody needs to wait for you to make a decision.Weakness: Your conviction that you're always right alienates your employees.Role Models: Benito Mussolini
Description: You're a powderkeg of anger just waiting to explode.Strength: You look placid and peaceful ... from a distance, when dormant.Weakness: Walking on eggshells makes it hard for employees to be productive.Role Model: Mr. Spacely
Description: You got over-promoted and now have no idea what to do.Strength: You're willing to depend upon the advice of your employees.Weakness: You're rapidly losing the respect of everyone on the team.Role Models: Ashley Wilkes
Description: You're competent and knowledgeable, yet easy to work with.Strength: You make your team successful as you make yourself successful.Weakness: You're as rare as a diamond in a slag heap.Role Model: Captain Jean-Luc Picard
-- Geoffrey James , @Sales Source
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