If the store is not running or employees are unmotivated, it is usually the bosses' fault. And everyone seems to know what they did wrong. In reality, there are more unmotivated employees than incompetent leaders. The extent to which employees suffer under their bosses is regularly attested by the often-cited Gallup Engagement study: Allegedly, only one out of six employees is truly engaged, every sixth one has already mentally quit. There is a remarkable consensus: the many bosses without leadership talent are to blame for this misery. Of course, there are desirable qualities that promote successful leadership. It makes sense for supervisors to reflect on their role and improve their communication skills. Those who neglect this will inevitably become a problem for their employees. Unrealistic expectations of leaders However, it is beyond question that not all employees suffer equally under an incompetent leader. While one is at the end of their rope, another shrugs off the problem. Perception is subjective and is determined by needs, experiences, and expectations. It logically follows that leaders can only be the trigger for their employees' problems, not the cause. But then what is the cause? In fact, only those employees suffer under their leaders who notice a painful discrepancy between their expectations and reality. Instead of claiming that reality is not okay, one could also examine whether the expectations are okay. And in many cases, they definitely are not.
The bosses are to blame for everything
What is not blamed on the boss?! That he inadequately considers the needs of the employees, for example by not praising them enough. That he is unreachable. That he pays too little attention to the well-being of his employees, and so on. These are the complaints of people who apparently have not learned to take full responsibility for themselves. They still linger in childlike expectation that someone must take care of their needs. Anyone who wishes their boss to adjust to their expectations misunderstands the human nature of their boss, which expects mistakes. They overlook the pressure most bosses are under today. And they do not allow the boss to grow into their responsibility. They want satisfaction. Now! This is the egocentrism of a child. This attitude inevitably creates frustration. Bad boss? Turning leadership weaknesses into development opportunities for employees
- Strengthen self-esteem
- Set boundaries
- Affirm one's own values
- Expand room for maneuver
- Improve social skills
Alternatively, one could simply decide to acknowledge reality and make the best of it. Because all the weaknesses of superiors can be taken as an opportunity to mature as a person. Ultimately, one can even work with a psychopath once one understands how they operate. In the end, it is absurd to want to blame the boss for one's own unhappiness. People typically do not talk about how bad employees make the boss sick and unhappy. It is taken for granted that bosses should be able to deal with bad employees.
