They are seen as rational, aloof and formal, often come across as brusque and have little need for harmony: German managers do not have the best reputation internationally. But not every boss is a heartless driver in dealing with his employees. Fortunately, because the professional environment also determines health in the workplace. A small typology of the different types of bosses helps to stay relaxed and fit at work.
Stressed boss
Do you know this: your boss never has time and the last time he laughed heartily was two years ago when he started work. His choleric fits are notorious and his favorite phrase is, “Am I surrounded only by idiots?” Most definitely, your supervisor falls into the “stressed-out boss” category. “The greatest difficulty in dealing with such a manager is that problems are not discussed because the boss perceives such a conversation only as a disruption of the work process,” explains psychologist Frank Meiners of the DAK. “In dealing with such a manager, the only thing that helps is to remain calm yourself and to offer as little surface for attack as possible.” Anyone who shows nervousness and restlessness or even flares up himself, brings the superior even more in a rage.
Up-and-comer
Dealing with the “up-and-comer” type is hardly easier. These bosses want to make career at any price and go for it if necessary also over (colleague) corpses. At the same time, these power mongers also come across as “friends” or “buddies”. They appreciate internal competition among employees to build up the right career atmosphere, but then saw off the chairs of fellow competitors who themselves develop ambition and could become competition for the up-and-comer. “In such cases, rather keep your distance, work correctly and seek solidarity from colleagues,” advises DAK expert Meiners.
Control freaks
Working reliably, delivering clean results and complying with agreements without fail also helps when dealing with so-called “control freaks.” Managers who always have a meticulously tidy desk and would prefer to do everything themselves may not be easy contemporaries. But they are more predictable than, say, the up-and-comer. “They do well when they feel that their employees leave the important decisions to them. Stick to structured work processes and make clear target agreements,” explains Meiners. However, employees who are starting out get into trouble because they could be considered a potential source of uncertainty to the controller, as well as people who have creative ideas and like to work independently.
Drivers
Some employees deal with “driver” type bosses. Those who willingly work overtime and deliver positive statistics, sales and return figures are soon the best horse in the stable. But beware: “Drivers” constantly increase the pace of work because they are under enormous pressure to succeed. Sentences such as: “Can you just…” or “It might be late today” are standard for them. Especially for employees who lack a certain routine, it quickly becomes difficult to stand out against the high demands. “If you feel that your excessive demands are growing, ask for a factual discussion,” advises psychologist Meiners. “You can certainly hand over a less important task in order to be able to do the new, more demanding one.”
Competent
Always an open ear for problems of any kind has only one boss type: the “competent one”. He is always eager to find solutions together with the employees. Competent managers are characterized by a high level of expertise, social “flair” as well as openness.
They not only have their employees’ work and health in mind, but also frequently offer praise. They are happy to be inspired by ideas that have been generated in a creative atmosphere.
