Is this a Wimpy or Understanding Boss?

Reading time: 2 – 2 minutes

Have you ever worked for a wimpy boss? It is a great question to ask. You never know what kind of response you will get. Some people take the question literally and then others enter into self-reflection.

The man sitting next to me owns a business. I would peg him in his 50′s, medium height with a stocky build – not the stereo typical wimpy stature.

“Yes, I am” he shares, speaking with candor.

When those situations arise, the conversation starts to get interesting. I am naturally curious about people who see those traits in themselves – what do they think is wimpy behavior and what have they done to try to overcome it.

“Why do you think you are a wimp?” I ask.

“Because I can’t get my assistant to do something”, he says seriously.

So, I probe a little further. “What is it you want her to do?”

What could it be? A lot of situations race through my head.

After a few minutes, he shares, “I want her to get a certification in a service we use extensively in the practice.”

I ask, “Who pays for the certification?”

He laughs. “I am not only paying for it, but I have offered a cash bonus for doing it. She just doesn’t want to take the test.”

He reflectively whispers, “We understand one another”.

So, they sit at a standstill. I would be interested in hearing if you think this a wimpy or understanding boss at work.

Post your thoughts or email me!