First off, we’d like to start off by saying your boss is the most important part of any job you have. Most often, if you have a bad boss, it’s going to be tough for you to like your job. The dynamic with your boss is very important and has a great influence on you […]
First off, we’d like to start off by saying your boss is the most important part of any job you have.
Most often, if you have a bad boss, it's going to be tough for you to like your job.
The dynamic with your boss is very important and has a great influence on you and your career.
It's a lot easier to work for a boss you like, admire, and respect, then for you don’t.
There’s a saying we're a big fan of, people don’t leave companies, they leave bosses.
That's why, from our perspective, the number one priority in any position should be your relationship with your boss.
Let’s take a deep dive into the different types of bosses you may encounter…
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This is the most challenging boss to have.
You’re going to need a very thick skin and find yourself shaking your head often.
It’s probably best to try and move away from this type of boss, rather than stay, and tolerate their ways. Odds are you’ll get tired or worn out.
Our Opinion: From our experience, it’s probably a matter of time until they get to you. If you can’t move away from this boss within the same company, it might be best to start looking for a new position.
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This one is the worst. They're on top of your shit 24/7 because most likely they don’t trust you or can't trust you for whatever reason.
Or they feel because they're paying you, that they basically own you, and you're their slave, which isn’t the case.
We personally are big believers in moving away from this type of boss and fast.
4No one can work under a micromanager and it’s one of the toughest things to tolerate on an everyday basis.
Our Tip: Definitely be conscious and think about what is best for you and your career.
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This boss will respect you if you work hard for them and produce the results they are looking for.
If you can get into their inner circle by gaining their trust, you have a good home for a little while, because most likely they are good producers, and they value you.
6It’s all about fit and relationship with this one if they see value in you, and you see value in them, it'll be a good relationship.
Note: The key is to know your place and play second fiddle. There's a high barrier to gaining their trust but once you do, you’re in good shape.
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This boss is great to work for and if you play your cards right, you’ll get promoted once you deserve it.
Self-explanatory, but the key is to just make sure you get your shit done and your boss will be a happy camper. They’ll appreciate you and values you.
8They're most likely a good person, respect quality work, and getting everything done in a timely fashion.
Our Tip: At the end of the day for this boss, it’s about work product and results. Get them both, and you'll be in good shape.
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This is every person's dream boss. You both value each other and understand each other's place in the scheme of things.
It’s best if they're on top of their game and a real player in the industry.
That way you can hopefully build a great relationship with them, and ideally, have them become an advisor or mentor for you.
Our Tip: Try to build an awesome relationship with this boss as it will pay dividends for years to come.
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This boss has performed well in the industry and experienced success.
Depending on the type of person they are, they could want you to be their robin, kiss their behind, or even believe in the same vision they do.
If you can establish mutual respect, where you respect their hard work, their results, and they respect the hard work you do for them, they might help you advance your career and teach you things not many people know.
11After all, this boss is probably very knowledgeable and well connected, and if they take you under their wing, you could be in for one fun ride.
It might require a bit of ass-kissing, but if you can tolerate it, and put it in the right place in your mind, it might be a great idea.
Our Tip: Being the protege to a big shot isn't the worst thing if you can handle their ways.
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This boss is tough, as they will make your life a nightmare if you don't do things their way.
They feel they know best, are more senior than you, have more experience than you, and are paying you, so you should do things their way.
The objective really should be to produce the highest quality work product.
Regardless if you do great work for them, or do things differently than they want it done, they won't care.
It’s their way, or the highway, and they'll make life tough if you don't listen.
Our Tip: A boss should care more about the work you produce, rather than how you produce it. If that isn't the case, it might be best to start looking...
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This boss is a total wild card. If they produce or not will say a lot. If your boss is laid back, and not producing, then they might be on their way out (or hanging by a thread).
If they're on their game, you're golden.
A laid-back boss whose producing is an awesome boss. You might've gotten very lucky, and if that’s the case, don't take advantage, be appreciative.
15Regardless if they're producing or not, it’s best to treat your boss with respect. You never know where they’ll end up, or if your paths will ever cross again.
Our Tip: If you're lucky enough to get a laid-back boss who’s producing, preserve their work style, and the freedom you've been given. If not, it’s still someone that you can treat nicely.
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This one is a tricky one. It depends on the person leading your group. First off, it’s incredibly important to respect them, and be polite.
They are most likely dealing with a lot of classy and powerful people, so treat them accordingly.
After all, they are an MD or higher for a reason. Most likely because of a great track record, relationships, and skillset.
Now on how to build a great relationship with them.
18Walking the fine line of being a goody too shoes and treating them as a normal person is tough.
If you put them on a high up pedestal, odds are you'll never really build a great relationship with them.
But at the same time, you have to know your place, what you can and cannot say.
19So how do you do it? Its, tough but doable.
That's why we built the guide: The Blueprint to Building Relationships with Senior People.
Check it out, it’s a detailed guide on how to build relationships with higher-ups.
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This boss is a good person to learn from. Watch how, why, and when they succeed. Then try to evaluate if you think they can be a fast riser at the company.
Good role players turn into great players with the right habits and work ethic. If you feel they are going to rise up the ranks, it might be best to hitch your wagon to theirs.
Either way if this is your boss, then you're in a good place, because you can gain some valuable knowledge from watching them, or you might be able to hop along for a ride in the fast line.
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This boss is a great one to work for. Odds are they've done some great work, are creating good habits, and impressing the right people.
If you can hitch your wagon to theirs, and build a relationship with them, you could be primed to grow your career side by side.
Most likely, this boss values hard work, sacrifice, loyalty, and intelligence.
Our Tip: Try to stay with them for as long as you can. It might be a bumpy ride, but if you feel you can get through it, it could be worth your while.
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As an Analyst without much experience, expertise, or skills, this one is tough.
You've only been working there a little while, and you know more than your experienced boss does.
It’s going to be tough for you to respect them, and appreciate the opportunity, but try your best to.
24You'll be biting your tongue, holding in how you really feel, and not letting them know you think you know more than them, even though you actually do.
There might be some bumps in the road, but just get through them.
Hint: Probably not the best person to have as a boss, but it could be worse.
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This boss is a great one to work for as an Analyst. Odds are he’s learned and experienced a lot, which you can learn from.
If you take his ways personally, it won't work. But if you take them as a way to learn, you can make the best of it.
26They might not be a great long-term fit, but if you can maximize your time with them, you can take a lot away from the relationship.
Our Tip: Play this one by your judgment, and on a daily basis, most likely comes with a lot of head shaking.
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This is a tough one, because you still have to treat them like your boss and do a high quality of work even if you are aware, they are on their way out.
Regardless of their standing in the firm, your reputation is something you want to preserve.
Even if they can't do a lot for you, or are on their way out, it will speak volumes about your character if you treat them with respect.
28You never know where they’ll end up and keeping a great relationship with them could pay off down the road.
Side Note: Maybe you get switched to a better team, with a better boss! You never know!
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Stay far away. We can't say this enough, stay far away!
If you get this boss, and it’s just who they are, start looking for another position ASAP.
The best way to judge this one is to see how they treat other people, and what other employees at the company think of them.
30It's not worth the time, misery, and stress they are going to cause you.
Once again, RUN fast and far from this boss!
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This one you can imagine why.
Odds are people don't like them because they aren't a good person, or a likable person, which is a problem.
A really big problem, especially if they end up as your boss.
It’s all up to your judgment, your situation, and whether you're able to build a nice relationship with them.
If you can carve out a relationship, then run with it, otherwise, head for the hills. And head fast.
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Dealing with bosses is one of the pleasures every Analyst gets to experience.
Unfortunately, most try to enforce their power, and give back what they had to take as an Analyst.
It's ultimately a judgment call and up to you on how to handle your boss.
Regardless of the company, situation, pressure you're feeling, position, or the power you feel they have over you, it’s always up to you to decide what's best for you and your career.
34Sometimes it doesn't end up working out, sometimes it does.
Either way, most likely your boss is going to fall into one or many of these categories. Do the best you can, until you can't.
The most important factor in dealing with bosses is having an open mind.
If you have an open mind and are open to possibilities and new relationships, you’ll be in the best position to build a great relationship with your boss.
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