Fewer “bad boss” types have the capacity to paralyze a team more than a coward – the leader who praises poor performance, avoids difficult issues, and buys loyalty by saying yes to any idea. One executive I worked with was fondly referred to as “the waffle” because he was so easily swayed by anyone who walked into his office. While the nickname was a cruel one, it was the result of suffering on the other side. His inability to take a stand left his team in a constant state of frustration, confused about what decisions were going to be made and why.
How to Work for a Cowardly Boss
Don’t underestimate your own ability to set a positive example.
January 30, 2020
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Summary.
Wanting to please others, avoid failure, and evade hard decisions are three weaknesses associated with leaders who display cowardly behavior. Though many organizations often excuse these development gaps as harmless habits, in reality, they can rub off and have a detrimental impact on those being led. But there are a few things you can do to avoid the fallout from working for a cowardly boss. First, don’t gossip behind your boss’s back — it will only make you look bad. Instead, study their behavior. What makes your boss fearful? If you were in their shoes, what would you do differently? Next, don’t be afraid to talk openly about difficult decisions you’re facing. Making your hard choices visible to your colleagues is a good way to set the example, and by exercising courage, you can protect and grow it. Finally, as difficult as it might seem, ask your boss for the things you want and need. Being direct in this situation may be the best way to get them.