What do you do with the boss who won’t use their authority to actually be the boss? What if you work with someone who delegates the tough tasks for someone else to do? How do you handle the boss who refuses to take charge?
I’m going to suggest seizing control if the boss won’t choose to exercise it!
Now before I blast this bad boss, let me suggest that in some ways, this behavior can be explained. Many people think the path to organizational success is to work your way to the top. In fact, being at the top is a sometimes daunting place to be. Nobody can prepare you for the hassles and stress that await you. In the face of that stress, the new boss may turn back to old habits, behaviors, and even tasks that they held before the promotion. And confronting problems? They either go completely over the top or they shrink away.
You have no control over how your boss makes this transition.
Here’s what you can do:
- Start asserting yourself! If you’ve always wanted to try something new or do something a different way, this is your chance. Get your act together, build the process, and put it into practice.
- Take charge of your immediate area. You don’t need positional authority to be a leader. I know you probably don’t agree, but keep in mind leadership doesn’t need a title to happen. Management does. Start thinking strategically and voice your thoughts. Demonstrate you know how to add value and get busy doing it.
- Be a good example. If your boss is a big wuss, be the opposite and act decisively. This is your chance to show the higher-ups you’re qualified for bigger things.
There are some people who wait for opportunities to come to them. If you have this type of wimpy boss, you have an opportunity to really demonstrate your worth. Get busy this week building your own leadership and management skills!
AND, if you’re this type of boss, you’re a complete disappointment to me. Somebody thought enough of you to hire or promote you to that leadership role. You better start acting in that role or find another line of work. Leadership is a privilege. Treat it as such!