It is amazing how much energy we spend in criticizing and whining about our bosses. 

So much so that by judging by the large percentage of posts on the web, one would bet that every boss out there is an idiot, a dysfunctional jerk, an out-of-touch loser, or simply craps.

Of course we understand that the only way to improve someone’s management and behavior is to observe what that person is doing wrong; however, the majority of posts and comments are written in such a way that confirms their only goal is to whine, very much like a child complaining about how mean dad or mom are without actually grasping the point.   

Well, it is about time for all of us to grasp this:

If you behave like a victim, bathed in self-pity, or act as if you deserve better, you are in for something bad, and you may end up getting fired or seriously harming your career.

In order to avoid this creepy scenario, here’s a lousy boss’s reality check:

-      Confront your boss face to face and you will lose

No matter how mistaken your boss is and how bad he may look in a given situation, he can, and probably will, fire you if you challenge him directly.

-      You do have a choice, make it

This is a free country, and if you don’t agree with your boss’s character, you can quit.

“But, I love my job and most importantly, I need it!”… Ahhh!  Then, put your pride aside and exercise your patience.

It is your choice. 

Equally, you can go over your boss to HR, but it may end badly for you.  Remember that your boss may be highly respected in the company.

-      What if the problem is you?

Have you observed your behavior towards your job and boss? 

Maybe your boss has a lot to say about your attitude and performance too, because if something is certain in the business world, it is that lousy employees are out there in the millions.

So, observe yourself and your actions at work before acting emotionally.  Remember that when something about someone else bothers you deeply it is because that something lives inside you as well.

-      There are only so many bridges one can burn

When you’re young, you don’t consider that the choices you make and your behavior will follow you later. 

If you burn all your bridges, at some point you won’t be able to cross anywhere.  Sure, you will have no boss, but also no job!

What’s the point then?  The point is you DON’T go against a lousy boss. 

Of course all of us, even the best leadership speaker and coach, have had crappy bosses, and we understand what an employee who is exposed to such a boss feels like, but this is no excuse for acting without a clear perspective, because it can only get worse for you.

If it gets truly unbearable, exercise your right to choose, and quit.

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A true leader thinks and feels as he says and does, or as a great leadership speaker once said: “Authenticity occurs when the head and the heart meet at the lips, true leadership takes place when what we think and what we feel is congruent with what we say and do.”

We’ve most certainly heard about it and sadly, many of us have seen it happen: a “leader” having a custom-made desk installed in his office the same week he is laying off employees, and he even has the nerve to ask the personnel that is left to accept more responsibility in view of the staff shortage and to save money.

Can you see the huge conflict this “leader’s” message expresses?  It is such poor behavior coming from the company’s top levels.  Obviously, this person was passionate about cutting back expenses that affected everyone but him.     

When something like this happens, when the messages from the organization’s “leaders” are so clearly opposite to their actions, the only possible outcome is a culture of distrust, one where fear rules and that chokes the employees’ “can do” attitude.

This kind of paradoxical leadership creates a spread of dreary behavior and resentfulness that disintegrates a company from the inside out.

Every company leader and CEO should wear a certified badge of authenticity with the legend: “I say what I mean and act as I say.”  And to be able to deserve this badge and kiss the corporate lack of authenticity goodbye, you, as a leader must:

-      Believe in truthfulness.  Does the annual report describe the company you run?  Is your company true to what is said about it in articles, internal communications, and description at company meetings and events?  If not, set the record straight and show your authenticity.

-      Have vision.  Do you communicate a vision that your employees don’t support? Do you reward behaviors that are in conflict with the culture you desire for the company?

-      Handle inconsistency.  Even more, when an inconsistency is identified, do you take action in a prompt, honest, and clear manner to correct the detrimental message that was set loose?

Leadership authenticity is about being authentic, trustworthy, and genuine.  Being authentic is about knowing and being true to who you are, not who you pretend to be.  Sadly, many “leaders” have been playing the role for so long that they have no idea who they really are.

If you are driven by percentages, maybe this will convince you: 40% of corporate leaders would change careers if they could keep their current income level.  Maybe they are tired of not being true to themselves or of being forced by a job or culture to be someone they’re not.   

The reality is that if you wish to be a winner in the long run, you must be authentic.  So, get real!

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Spend your day looking to peoples greatness instead of trying to find fault and see the results:
* More fun
* More Productivity
* More Trust
* More Confidence
* More Results

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Passion Counts, it sells, it inspires and people respond to passion. So, if you are not naturally passionate how does an aspiring leader get passionate. The 3 E’s of a Passionate Leader are:

• emotion,
• energy, and
• enjoyment.

Practice them and watch your passion rise.

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