What’s wrong in being Bossy?

All in all we do not like bossy people, chances are you would have heard your little child come to you and say, “Mom/dad, I don’t like her/him in my class, she/he’s too bossy!” Children also relate bossiness to bullies – it is an intimidating act and certainly not likeable. Often people do want to be told what to do and how to do it but the way you tell them how matters the most, if you appear bossy and controlling people would not want to be around you. It is the human nature; we don’t want to be ordered around on what to do – most often. So at the workplace you have to strike a gentle note to your being the boss around – and try not to be “bossy”.

How not to be Intimidating and still be In-charge

To be a good leader you must make sure that the work gets done and often it is not through pleasantries that you can get that accomplished, instead of high-handedness have some rules in place at all times.
Here are some examples of the written rules you can pass on to your team. Somehow written rules do not appear “bossy” if you say them out over and over again perhaps they are not taken in that effectively.

• The task must be complete a week before the deadline so we can ensure a run-through of the quality of the product.
• Every week you must send a detailed status report on your tasks.
• Inform me of any changes to the plan immediately.
• You must be present at the monthly team meeting, else propose a one-on-one if you cannot attend the next one.

Never lose sight of the fact that you are the boss and certain expectations are around this word and role. It is because of rules and a fear of unpleasant consequences (read poor performance review) that many employees get a lot accomplished in a little time.
Dos and don’ts are great and when you know how to strike a good balance in how you are asking these from your employees, you can expect more respect and work get done. And of course “being nice” always is not on your job description, you better get the work done and done well and if you can accomplish this through good team relationship then that’s where you would qualify for the good bosses’ hall of fame.

You might also want to read some articles on this website if you do not want to be listed in books of “bad bosses” – BadBossology.

What are your ways of being “bossy” the right way?