Boss vs. a Leader

Who do you work for? A boss that has your back, or one that stabs you in the back?

0:09

Good evening. I am Cocoa Griot, and I want to welcome you to my humble podcast abode. I will not keep you long, but I strive to keep you strong. Tonight's topic is Gotcha versus I've Got You. From a distance you cannot tell the difference between salt and sugar. Once you get close enough to taste, you definitely know the difference. With my East Texas accent These terms sound very similar, but they are very different. Gotcha and Iv'e Got You. I have worked on jobs with supportive bosses and they're actions really said. I have got you! I took that to mean, I've got your back, and there's no knife in my hand. Then there are the bosses that don't set you up for success. They just set you up. There are some traits I want to talk about tonight for both kinds of bosses, common themes come to mind when I think about my work experience for Gotcha bosses.

1:14

Every Gotcha boss, was not really secure in their position. They had major flaws, and as we all know ish runs downhill. My Gotcha bosses ruled by intimidation, and fear. They often have minions that would report back to them. You often felt that you were walking on eggshells, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Gotcha bosses also doubled as chaos agents. They would plant seeds of discord among employees, so that there was no solidarity or sense of team on the job, janky indeed. If you do come up with a good idea or plan, the Gotcha boss will shoot you down to your face, but then take credit for your ideas with the higher ups. Somebody ought to say Amen, because I know I'm not the only person this has happened to. Forgive me for focusing on the gotchas first, but I want to end my session on a positive note. So I am getting Chez Trashique out of the way first.

2:25

The opposite of Gotcha bosses are they, I've Got You bosses. Wow! I have had so many of these people in my life and I'm so grateful. No matter what field, I've worked in, I have benefited from the mentorship that I've Got You boss. Let me share some common threads of these types of leaders. Yes, they are leaders because they do so much to promote individuals well being, as well as the organization's well being. Empathy is the number one trait of I've Got You bosses, they understand where you are and what you're going through, first and foremost, they do not have you working beyond your capacity, or make you feel like you're stretched to the limit.

3:19

These bosses, check in with you about your amount of responsibilities. They also value your work life balance. My Iv'e Got You bosses were always competent in knowing their job, and they took the time to help me understand all of the aspects of my job. Throwing someone into a situation, and then throwing them under the bus is not their m.o. If you ask someone to do a task,make sure they understand what you're asking them to do. Set them up for success, don't set them up.I get up every day to do the work that I do.

4:04

I have a supportive, understanding, Iv'e Got You boss connectedto my life situation.I am never asked to do more than I'm comfortable with. I'm always recognized, if I do go above and beyond what I was asked to do. Think about the people you've enjoyed working for the most. If you are like me, you can point out specific reasons as to why your work experience was pleasant. I hope that you have, an I've Got You boss like I do, or you maybe you are the boss.

4:43

If not, hopefully, you will eventually have this experience. Thanks for listening this evening. And as always, I wish you good health, good fortune and a goodnight. Cocoa Griot out!

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