21 Types of Bosses

Being in charge means that you get noticed. Sometimes that can be for the right reasons, and sometimes not. And being a boss doesn’t necessarily mean you are a leader. Here’s a list of 21 different types of bosses:

1. The Martyr Boss

The martyr boss has done, does, and always will do anything for the good of the company. They worked Christmas Day, with pneumonia, in a snowstorm. They stay every night until 8 pm without extra pay. They’ll probably be there way past retirement.

2. The Screamer Boss

The screamer boss seems to think that they will get their way if they raise their voice to an unconscionable level: the higher the volume, the higher the commitment. These types of bosses just want recognition and to know that they’re being heard.

3. The Fearmonger Boss

People do what a fearmongering boss says because they’re afraid of them. They always have a threat, and they follow through with that threat. This boss has a high turnover rate as they fire employees to keep up the fear factor and good employees leave.

4. The Manipulator Boss

Also known as the Machiavellian boss, this type is extremely intelligent and one of the most dangerous. The manipulator boss is highly focused, very motivated, and always has a secret plan. They look at people as a means to an end. If you work for a manipulator, watch your back.

5. The Bumbler Boss

The bumbler boss is the dunce of the bosses. The best way to deal with your bumbler boss is to get them promoted. When bumblers are promoted, they are notorious for promoting the people underneath them. Executives will see your boss for the dunce that they are, and they’ll be shipped off somewhere.

6. The Clueless Boss

Despite the term “clueless,” these types of bosses are not dumb—they’re just uneducated. Perhaps they just started with the company or are unfamiliar with the technology. A clueless boss can be a good boss who’s just temporarily off-track. Teach them and bring them up to speed.

7. The Old-Schooler

The old-schooler dwells on the good old days. An old-school boss, despite their resistance to move on, does have a great deal of information and can contribute to the best interests of your organisation.

8. The God Boss

The god boss, a true megalomaniac, is about power. You’ll notice the engraved gold plates proclaiming their rank. They might take outrageous liberties like having an employee clean out their car. Follow their rules, and create the illusion you are doing things their way.

9. The Teflon Boss

This non-stick boss doesn’t give straight answers to questions. Any blame slides right off them. If something goes wrong, unparalleled documented evidence surfaces to prove they were somewhere else at the time.

10. The What Boss?

The “what boss?” is always MIA. These types of bosses are harmless because they’re never there. When they are in the office, take advantage of their presence. You may feel miffed that you’re slaving in your cubicle eight hours a day, five days a week for half their salary, while they’re out on the golf course.

11. The Paranoid Boss

The paranoid boss is outright suspicious of everyone’s motives. Anything anyone does could be attempts to undermine them. This boss’ feelings of inadequacy interfere in what’s best for the company and their employees.

12. The World-On-His-Shoulders Boss

Though this can barely hide their inadequacies. They absorb the world’s worries, and worries for the world. They fret about little details. They arrive at the office in the morning, flushed and frazzled, because they were lying awake the night before agonising over numbers and orders.

13. The Buzzword Boss

The buzzword boss loves their designer clothes, cars, and pen. What they love even more are those clichés they heard at the latest management seminar. This boss bores you to tears, they adore using old clichés, repeating the same corny sentences they have heard and said for years.

14. The Buddy Boss

The buddy boss wants to be your friend, not your “superior.” They want you to like them . However, be forewarned: hanging out with buddy boss during your work hours could have you working nights to keep up.

15. The Two-minute Boss

The two-minute boss is a cross between a god boss and a world-on-their-shoulders boss. They impulsively demand control over situations and then cut off your answer two minutes in because they don’t have time to discuss it. The two-minute boss constantly gives the impression that they’re way too busy to bother with details..

16. The Patronising Boss

The patronising boss is an old-school martyr. Did you not know? They built the company from the ground up! In fact, they made the chair you’re sitting in. You, as an underling, need their guidance to see you through the most mundane and simple of tasks.

17. The Idiot Boss

The idiot boss is characterised by not having a clue and being fairly stupid. It’s as if they just walked into the office yesterday and started running it. The world is full of idiots in charge, but don’t let these types of bosses get you down.

18. Lone Wolf Boss

The lone wolf prefers to ride solo. They stay in their office or work from home, avoiding human contact, especially employee interaction. They could be a tech whiz who was promoted based on their outstanding hard skills, but they aren’t necessarily a people-person.

19. The Perfectionist

The perfectionist is a micro-manager who likes to control all your work. The behaviour is obsessive, and leaves you with very little trust in your own abilities. Over time, without helpful and gracious feedback, you’ll learn that nothing you do will ever be good enough for them.

20. The Eccentric

The eccentric boss has unrealistic expectations for their staff. They have a unique way of completing their work, and expect their employees to work in the same manner. They can be gentle, but often cause confusion around expectations and explanations of projects.

21. The Great Boss

Ahh, the great boss—the supportive motivator—the boss who treats everyone with fairness regardless of politics. They communicate, keep an open door policy, and encourage others to follow suit. They lead by example, provide superior training and a positive work environment. They have vision, aren’t afraid and don’t scream. They coach their staff, and when employees leave, they talk about them for years to come.

Of the Many Types of Bosses, Which One Are You?

That was a rhetorical question. Obviously, you want to be the kind of boss that people gravitate toward and actually want to work hard to support. Part of that means having a good rapport with your employees. Find the right employees today by posting your job listing for free at Monster.