Definition of Boss: a person who exercises control or authority; specifically one who directs or supervises workers. Control, authorization, direction and supervision - these are all functions attributed to a boss. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They vary according to demographics, traditions and cultures. They come with their own degree of tolerance and insolence.
I have had the opportunity of working under different kinds - caring, understanding, helpful, crazy, demanding, etc. But the one adjective that has lingered on my mind is ‘cunning’. This kind can be found in abundance, you will find them in every organization around the world. I have come to a conclusion that if you don’t come across this kind in a workplace, then something is definitely wrong. This is one kind who make sure to make life miserable for you by achieving their goals and targets by hook or crook. And they don’t give a heck to what we, their so called 'subordinates', go through. On the face of it, they seem to be unperturbed.
I have been lucky to have started my career under the guidance of the best possible boss I could have asked for. It was a privilege to work under him. There was a sense of mutual co-operation, a feeling of equality and unity working with him. That is probably the reason why I have survived so far in my career. There is a beacon of hope that makes me realize that better times might come and are waiting round the corner. He gave me a reason to move on.
Times change, so do jobs and with each new job, comes a very new experience. Call it destiny or my misfortune but things haven’t been as easy as with my first boss. There has been a gradual deviation from the nice type to crazy, mean and cunning type of bosses that I have worked under. I understand that every boss has another one above him and he has to deliver to them, but at what cost? To subject a worker to unrealistic deadlines, bizarre work projects and never-ending work hours is nothing short of barbarism. Every boss has his own unique style of 'bossing’ around. I have been subject to different kinds and each one has been an unique experience. Late hours, sleepless nights, forced responsibilities, unwanted obstructions, crazy thought processes – I have been through all. But the choice is ours, whether we take it with a pinch of salt or abandon it.
Every person has his own level of tolerance. I am one who might fume at the wrongdoings meted out to me by my superior, but I am not a quitter. Fighters don’t quit. One has to move on, dodging hurdles in his way. One has to maintain a professional decorum against all odds. It depends on how you decide to deal with the situation without losing your cool and come around with a positive outcome. And while you are at it, you have to be absolutely sure to preserve your self-respect. Because if you lose it, you end up ruining your career. I don’t believe in the concept of 'assmosis’ which I define as the process by which some people seem to absorb success and advancement by kissing up to the boss. That is the last thing I would do, I don’t have the skin to do that even if it means the end of my career. Some people flourish doing it but I would rather perish. I can’t stoop to a level so low and succumb to such immoral character. I am open to be 'Dilbert’-ed again and again, let the exploitation and oppression happen. It can’t get worse, can it?
But yes, anything that crosses the limit of human decency has to be curbed. There is a fine line between cunning and dictator. Dictatorship cannot be allowed to prevail. A cunning boss is somewhat manageable and that is what I have been doing for quite some time now. But I wish such kinds are abolished forever. The only way forward seems to become one’s own boss. But then, there is no guarantee that we might not end up as 'another’ cunning boss! That is something to ponder about :)
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