I have resisted writing an article about stupid bosses for a long time. Those who frequent this website know I take a positive approach to things.
To me, it is something this world needs; it is something the modern workplace needs in healthy doses – positivism. The tougher road to a better world – yes, I am idealistic.
The flurry of e-mails I have been getting on bosses, whether people should quit, the way they are not appreciated and the stress they go through prompted me to pen a few words about bosses.
For those I have not been able to answer personally, I apologize. And here is what I can say about stupid bosses. Someone once told me, there are no stupid bosses, only stupid employees. I am not sure I agree.
Just as there are stupid employees, then so must there be stupid bosses. And yes, even stupid people can climb up the corporate ladder. What qualifies as a stupid boss?
Perhaps, stupid isn’t quite the right word. The better word would be ignorance. These are ignorant bosses who do not know better.
If the boss you are working under “passes” these few tests, then he (or she) qualifies as a stupid boss.
1. Always Negative
He is always negative about everything. Not just about you. He can be negative even with the most positive things. As if there is nothing in this world that will make him happy.
If you feel he is just negative about you, watch properly. In all likelihood he is negative somewhere else too. He does not know how to look at things from the right view – work or otherwise.
2. Selfish Goal-Oriented
Here, goal means the collective goal, not his own selfish goal. The goal of your unit and company he is supposed to help achieve.
If he is always plotting to move up even at the expense of the people under him, he must be a very ignorant person. He does not know that the better his team, the better he is in rising to the top.
3. Poisonous Tongue
You know I am not just talking about lying. Your boss is likely not to just indulge in lies; he is also likely to spread gossips, talking behind everyone’s back.
Even if he speaks well about you, better beware. If he speaks ill of someone to you, he is likely to speak ill of you to someone else. He is likely to be rude too! He shouts and uses the most impolite words you never use in front of kids.
He even calls you stupid. How can someone who uses his mouth like that be smart? Why would anyone be willing to be led by him?
4. Uncouth Behavior
You already know how he uses his mouth. This is how he acts, his behavior is probably wanting too. He is most probably unethical in his conduct and the way he runs his unit is detrimental not just to his team but your company.
He takes credit from the team. He is not afraid to present to the boss. But when it is a tough presentation to a client, he will figure out an excuse to get out of it. You often wonder, why doesn’t his boss notice? He will create excuses when he makes a mistake and punishes others for the same mistakes. Leading by example is not in his vocabulary.
5. No Effort
Don’t ask him to do anything. He will act smart and look busy. He knows no effort. He will tell everyone to do everything and one wonders what he does. But he gets away with it from his bosses as he is very good at putting up an act for his bosses. He thinks he is working smart. But you know he is a stupid boss because he does not even know his own role and work. His motto is, “A boss doesn’t have to work,” – which is dead wrong! He just doesn’t work because he doesn’t know how.
6. Bad Understanding
He confuses his perception for reality. It seems like he is in a world of his own. He thinks he is smart. He thinks he works hard. He thinks he has employed the worst people in the world. If he has a chance he would change so and so and such and such. But he makes no effort at all. He has a warp sense of reality. Everybody is at fault and everyone needs him. When in reality the company is better off without him.
Does your stupid boss have all of these qualities? Or even half? Then he (or she) qualifies as stupid for all his ignorance. Does he also have toxic leadership qualities? If he does, you should think twice about your future under him.
Yun Siang Long, or Long as he is popularly known, spent 16 years in three multinational ad agencies where he also trained people in areas of career management.
Stupid street sign image from Shutterstock
About Yun Siang Long
As a hopefully not-so-stupid boss, I’ve noticed that sometimes employees have these same unfortunate qualities. There bad bosses and bad employees,it is easy to point out of the faults of those in leadership even if they don’t deserve to be there. I’m convinced we all need to treat each other with more respect (despite bad qualities), less judgement, then get over it or move on. The only thing we can chagne is our attitude and repsonse to stupidity. Whining and complaining is so 2011.
Interesting article and unfortunately, very true. I agree “ignorance” is the more accurate word than “stupid.” I believe many employers do not lack intelligence. What they do lack is training and education regarding managing staff and it is time that changed. Chances are many of these “stupid” employers attended business school and maybe even hold an MBA. However, hard as it is to believe, learning how to manage staff is not part of the curriculum at business schools. To do this would be a very positive move for our modern workplace. One of the things these future managers would learn is that it is smart business to invest in, develop, respect and appreciate their support staffs. Education and training is needed on all levels.
I’ve always heard of bad bosses. But hearing about stupid bosses comes as a funny thing. Stupidity, however, is an essential ingredient of being bad. Thanks for these insightful tips.
I completely appreciate your comments. I also aim towards the positive side of things but I do think we have to acknowledge that people in power (and however they got there) aren’t always the brightest bulb. Unfortunately, they can impact us and our careers so it’s best to realize you will get a bad one and be prepared to “counteract” the effects.
Many of the attributes and negative behaviors of the supposed “ignorant” boss could also be the thinking and attitude of one who may be narcisstic and/or a borderline personality… unfortunately, there are many individuals who are in supervisory positions who reflect the exact attitudes and behavior outlined in this article… they are TOXIC and do not advance their company’s vision and mission statement… how could they when they are experts at furthering their own agenda? This is ALWAYS accomplished by blaming subordinates for missteps or problems with the resultant damage to reputations and careers.