In a recent UK study, almost half of workers have admitted that they are scared of their bosses. Senior civil servants claimed to have the worst, with 72% describing those in charge as menacing, according to a survey.
I guess some of it is natural subordinate fear like you have for your teacher or traffic police or banker who you are asking for a loan of $1.5 million. But some of it, in my view, is just surrendering and has more to do with you than your boss.
Just in case you did not notice, bosses are not infallible. They make mistakes (just like you) and probably more than you, but they get to decide who finds out. So you worry about the power of your boss to hire and fire and decide who gets promotions and raises, so you handover the keys to your self-worth and go with the flow. You survive but you don’t thrive. Were we not put here to thrive?
And what about the bosses? “Leaders are failing to send out positive signals to employees. It is making organisations less productive and more resistant to change.” says Jan Hills, of Head Heart + Brain, a UK leadership development consultancy.”
Don’t we all want to be happier, more productive and a part of a healthy organisation?
It’s time for a meeting. (of the minds, hearts, brains and cajones.)
