Working with a boss who enjoys defeating you..

“Raghav.. so what do you propose to do now?” asked his boss with a beaming smile.

Raghav was almost breaking down. He had to complete the work before midnight. It was a legal commitment on the part of the company. The entire data was on computer and unfortunately the system was down as the entire area suffered from an electricity failure. The agency which was contracted the work was pressing the panic button to deliver the results on schedule. No one could predict whether there would be a legal compliance.

One may ask why were things pushed to the last minute. Raghav’s boss has been creating hurdles one after another to ensure that Raghav, who had taken up the challenge, failed.

“Boss.. Are you happy with what is happening?” Raghav asked.

“You wanted to outwit me. You wanted to prove

 your intelligence and wisdom. You thought you could get away with a big name because I had been on a long leave. You promised to complete the work on a record time.”

Well, how Raghav struggled in the last minute and finished the work on time is a different story. But, imagine, when you work with a boss who wants to defeat you, even at the cost of discredit to a system or an organization.

 I have heard many such stories. Such people are not rare in a difficult competing working environment…though it is undesirable in a good organizational climate and culture.

Sirish was indeed a celebrity in his department. His boss Francis had a great admiration for him. For the last three years Francis was giving a rating of “outstanding” to Sirish in the annual reports least realizing that one day the very same rating could elevate him to a position which Francis was equally interested in. Francis started reacting smart.

And that is the time when Francis called Sirish one day and said “hey.. HR says your annual reports are not with them. You were supposed to sign and hand over them every time. “Did you? .. or you kept it conveniently in your cupboard?”

That was a rude shock to Sirish. He never suspected that Francis in connivance with a colleague from HR would do such a damage.  His efforts to set things in order did not succeed. The damage has been done..Sirish came to know about this later.

But.. he never realized when it comes to competition, the boss would not like to give the edge to his own junior. Merit aside, a battle can be lost on personal likes and dislikes.

Hey, Smile.. don’t ever think all bosses are like that.. Most of them are good.. some great mentors.. a few great teachers. many who enjoy your growth and take pride in your performance as as reflection of their leadership.

But then, how would you deal with a few who are emotional, selfish and don’t value ethical priorities? How would you deal with those who put self before an organization?

Some of the reasons for such errant attitudes are:

They have inadequate competencies and skills

2.   They believe in personal loyalty than an organizational loyalty

3.   They are insecure about their own work and achievements

4.   They associate the respect they command with the chair they occupy and are generally positional leaders.

5.   They have no strength to accept failures and make headways thereafter.

6.   They are not good change managers

7.   Their value systems both professionally and otherwise are not built on sound positive experiences.

There could be a few more..

If ever you come across a boss of this kind, never get defeated. Don’t waste your time lamenting and trying to correct him.. nor waste your vocal energy reacting verbally, nor lose your positive energy and creative potential to perform and grow. it is possible, they could get more cruel.. but then, when you are focused, energetic, articulated and agile, such roadblocks will lose their strength

Never think, that is the end of the road for you in the organization. Remember, you are watched by a productive universe which is looking for your accomplishments and reward you sooner than later.. here or elsewhere.

Believe, it is always your performance that speaks. it is always your skills which glow and gravitate people. Never get cowed down by such bad experiences .. It may be difficult, it may be challenging, it may be disgusting, but it is worth facing such a boss.. it is a lesson in human relationship, a lesson in  social intelligence, an effort to elevate your emotional superiority.

When things get tough, it is tougher who get to win!