Be grateful for that crappy boss experience

I know I'm not the only one who has had a crappy boss at one time or another in their career. You know, the one who manages through fear, is unpredictable, and loves 'playing games'. A common response to anyone who dares challenge their somewhat 'interesting' view of the world is to label those employees 'difficult and unappreciative', with repercussions sure to follow. Reporting into managers like this is exhausting.

Suffice to say that throughout my career I am lucky that I have only had a couple who fit this profile. In both cases when staff engagement survey feedback came back accurately reflecting how the team felt, rather than listening and responding, reactions were swift and emotionally driven. 

There were four lessons I took from these experiences:

1) Choose who you wish to follow. In both scenarios I chose to leave. Not through pressure but through choice and a realisation that I wasn't willing to compromise my integrity or values. I wanted to be inspired. I learned that at all times it is important to actively choose who you follow.

2) Only work for those who value you and your input. The most inspiring leaders and managers are those who genuinely value their people. This is shown through their communication style and how they behave.

3) There are nice people everywhere. As a change specialist who has worked in various industries and with many teams I have made lifelong friends in all of the places I have worked. Staying in one place because of the people is not enough of a reason to stay if the Manager is keeping you stifled and challenging your sense of self.

4) Never become like that boss! When you find yourself in a people leader role, remember how those not so great bosses made you feel and why. Choose not to repeat the same behaviour.

Being a Manager of people is in fact a privilege, and a position that can impact many, so be sure to remember that and choose to be inspirational.

I am grateful for both experiences as they made me stronger in myself and my ability to consciously choose who to work with or for.