Misunderstanding is painful. Misunderstanding at work is harmful. And misunderstanding with your boss is downright dangerous. Mainly for your career, and of course, for your nerves. Moreover, the accountant in a company is often the person the boss must trust the most. And what trust can exist without mutual understanding?
Exactly. Since the boss usually has less time to read useful magazines and find ways to foster mutual understanding—and often, the boss, amidst the chaos of tasks, can’t notice interpersonal problems within the team—it’s up to you to change things in this direction.
To help, we present a system for identifying boss personality types, described by German psychologist Michael Eichberger. He proposed a classification of six types of leaders: the Patriarch, the Lone Fighter, the Big Sister, the Iron Lady, the Despot, and the Dilettante. Observe your boss, determine who they resemble most, and act accordingly!
The Patriarch
This boss is confident that only he knows “how things should be done.” He expects complete subordination, is authoritarian, yet still gains recognition and even love from the team. He is a professional in his field, competent, and a caring leader. He knows about employees’ problems and helps however he can—through advice, actions, or financial support. But remember, there are no perfect bosses, and you may still face communication challenges with a “Patriarch.”
Take Note:
His paternal instinct will be flattered if you come to him (better yet, rush to him, breathless) and ask for his advice on some important issue, like a child seeking a parent’s guidance.
He is offended by:
Taking significant actions without consulting him.
To Attract His Attention:
Work hard, take on more responsibilities than required, and achieve more than expected.
To Defend Your Interests or Ideas:
Remember, the “Patriarch” only believes in his ideas and interests. Your ideas will see the light only if you become his reasonable disciple. Let your ideas continue his teachings, and you’ll secure a bright future in the company.
The Lone Fighter
This type of leader prefers to isolate himself from others. He alone bears the burden of responsibility, reluctantly shares information, and often contradicts himself.
Take Note:
This boss is likely an expert in his field but struggles to acknowledge the communication structures that serve his needs. He isolates himself with strong office doors and a strict secretary. He dislikes being bothered with trivial matters. The best approach is a clearly presented document, passed through the secretary. If personal contact is necessary, schedule an appointment with a prepared, concise explanation of the problem. Use minimal time, and he will respond with a clear solution.
He is offended by:
Excessive communication, forced contact, and prolonged negotiations. Also, expressing your opinion about his “strict” management methods.
To Attract His Attention:
Through diligent work and avoiding euphoria over your successes. Present your achievements concisely, professionally, and calmly. Ask for his opinion on your projects as if seeking to improve what’s already done.
To Defend Your Interests or Ideas:
Formulate them precisely, think through your motivation, and remember you are a valuable specialist covering a significant section of responsible work.
The Big Sister
Strong and fair, her style is the so-called “feminine” approach: she welcomes discussions and teamwork. She loves being surrounded by strong employees, offers support and patronage, creating a healthy, stimulating atmosphere. However, while she invests a lot, she expects complete and timely task fulfillment in return.
Take Note:
Her subordinates must be competent both professionally and socially. Gray cardinals and isolated elements will hardly gain her understanding.
She is offended by:
Intrigues behind her back, insincerity, flattery, shirking work, shifting responsibility, and any other dishonest games.
To Attract Her Attention:
Show initiative and creativity. Demonstrate enthusiasm for the common cause and personal professional success.
To Defend Your Interests or Ideas:
Use her favored discussions and meetings. Find arguments to advance the cause. Do not take criticism of your work as criticism of your personality.
The Iron Lady
Cold, self-assured, authoritarian, and aware of her strength. Be cautious, as this woman is very strong and smart. She masters the art of intrigue and manipulation. If she rejects discussions and meetings as a waste of time, negotiating with her will be difficult, but not impossible.
Take Note:
Don’t try to deceive or manipulate her. Her trust must be honestly earned. She expects discipline and loyalty from her subordinates. Aware of the challenges women face in leadership, she believes only firmness and intransigence can help her manage.
She is offended by:
Disobedience. Expecting her to show female leniency. It might seem like her heart can be softened, but she won’t hesitate to punish fully.
To Attract Her Attention:
Only with real successes and achievements. Remain competent and professional, keep improving your skills, and demonstrate your drive for professional success.
To Defend Your Interests or Ideas:
Be self-assured and calm. Refute unfair accusations with solid arguments, aware of your correctness. Avoid polemics. The Iron Lady must see that while you stand behind her, you’re not limited and are confident in your professionalism.
The Despot
Known for compromising subordinates, especially in front of many people. He is smart and his arguments are often irrefutable. His attacks can bring subordinates to tears. But don’t hold a grudge: such behavior hides loneliness and inferiority complexes, mixed with excessive demands and pathological perfectionism. He masks his shortcomings with excessive strictness towards others and hides his inferiority complexes under a “macho” or super-professional mask. He seems to say, “I work, but you don’t.”
You have two ways to cooperate with him without harming yourself: don’t take his words to heart or flee.
Take Note:
He is a weak, insecure person. Avoid provoking or humiliating him, even subtly. Create an atmosphere of understanding and participation, support his self-esteem, and express it verbally: let him feel that you agree with his importance and professionalism.
He is offended by:
Being wrong. Even if he’s indeed wrong, and a regulation proves it, say, “Yes, you’re right. We just need to consider this law (act, document) according to which we should proceed this way.” Arguing with documents isn’t the same as arguing with people.
To Attract His Attention:
Difficult, but the best way is through quantitative expressions of your work, which must be reported to him, preferably publicly but calmly, as if it’s your joint achievement.
To Defend Your Interests or Ideas:
Only with concrete arguments, preferably documented. Avoid personal factors. Don’t try to put a screaming or insulting despot in his place. Ultimately, he’s always right because he’s the boss. Remember, you’re dealing with an unhappy child who lacked love. While he spits venom, mentally hold and rock him. You’ll see how quickly he calms down. At that moment, give him your suggestion or opinion as if your child just woke up. But don’t try to take on a motherly role; otherwise, you’ll risk getting a “chief of the redskins” in your own office. Do you need a boss who asks for comfort between tantrums?
The Dilettante
This leader’s weak spot is his position gained through connections, not professional qualities. Quickly, everyone understands he’s just a pawn and merely a “leader” image, causing informal leaders to emerge who truly lead. It’s easy to show a Dilettante’s incompetence, but unfortunately, this weakness is also his strength since he has nothing to lose: those who placed him there back him, so he joyfully exploits subordinates’ mistakes for his benefit.
Take Note:
If he understands his lack of professionalism, he will give you a carte blanche, allowing you to act at your own risk, essentially taking on part of his responsibility. This can be both good and bad, as an accountant shouldn’t be responsible for key money decisions. Even worse, if the boss doesn’t realize his incompetence and his authoritarian manner leads to major mistakes.
He is offended by:
Open rivalry. If you openly show he is just a “shadow in a chair,” he might declare war on you. Complaining about him is pointless, so the only option is to accept it.
To Attract His Attention:
Impossible, unless you want to flatter his non-existent talents. But that’s an unpleasant game.
To Defend Your Interests or Ideas:
Only by remaining his ally.
Understanding the personality type of your boss is crucial for effective communication and career success. Each type, from the Patriarch to the Dilettante, requires a different approach to foster mutual understanding and trust. By recognizing these traits and adapting your interactions accordingly, you can navigate workplace dynamics more smoothly and achieve your professional goals while maintaining a positive and productive relationship with your boss.
Originally published in Chief Accountant Club
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