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Surrounded by Bad Bosses and Lazy Employees


Synopsis


Surrounded by idiots at work? Fed up with a bad boss or lazy colleagues? Thomas Erikson, author of the runaway international bestseller Surrounded by Idiots, will help you handle them and get things done, the right way

Why is good leadership so rare? Everyone has to manage up to some extent but frankly some bosses are worse than others. If you're being driven crazy by a micro-manager, frequently drown under your boss's unreasonable expectations or struggle with being handed out responsibilities but no authority international behavioural expert Thomas Erikson is here to help.

Drawing on the simple four-colour system that made Surrounded by Idiots a global bestseller, Erikson shows how understanding your boss's behavioural tendencies as well as your own will lead to a more harmonious and productive workplace. He also sets out what characterises an exemplary leader type and how you can adapt your behaviour to model it. Because there are two sides to every coin, Erikson also looks at employees themselves and why some colleagues frequently underachieve and what you can do to change this.

Written with Erikson's signature humour and warmth, Surrounded by Bad Bosses (and Lazy Employees) will help you deal with the most hopeless managers and employees you can imagine - and keep you entertained along the way.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Nine Types of Bad Bosses

* Incompetent Boss: Lacks the skills to lead effectively, resulting in confusion and wasted resources.
* Example: A manager who cannot delegate tasks, leading to overwork and missed deadlines.
* Bully Boss: Uses intimidation and manipulation to control employees, creating a hostile work environment.
* Example: A supervisor who makes demeaning remarks and threatens employees who question their authority.
* Micromanager Boss: Obsesses over every detail, stifling creativity and employee growth.
* Example: A manager who oversees every email and project, leaving employees feeling micromanaged and frustrated.

Chapter 2: The Four Types of Lazy Employees

* Slacker: Does the bare minimum, often hiding incompetence behind a facade of busyness.
* Example: An employee who spends most of their time on social media or browsing the internet instead of working.
* Delegator: Passes off their responsibilities to others, avoiding accountability and contributions.
* Example: A team member who delegates all their project work to their colleagues, claiming they are "too busy."
* Perpetual Negative: Constantly complains and undermines, creating a pessimistic and unproductive work environment.
* Example: An employee who habitually broadcasts negative comments and rumors about the company and their colleagues.

Chapter 3: The Power of Positive Leaders

* Emphasizes the importance of authentic and supportive leadership.
* Positive bosses create a positive and motivating work environment.
* They inspire employees, empower them, and recognize their contributions.

Chapter 4: Dealing with Bad Bosses

* Provides strategies for managing difficult bosses.
* Learn to set boundaries, document interactions, and seek support from HR or other trusted individuals.
* Focus on maintaining a professional and positive态度.

Chapter 5: Dealing with Lazy Employees

* Offers techniques for motivating and engaging lazy employees.
* Set clear expectations, provide feedback, and use performance metrics to track progress.
* Address performance issues directly and provide opportunities for improvement.

Chapter 6: Creating a Positive Work Culture

* Explores the importance of building a work environment that supports employee well-being.
* Encourage open communication, foster a sense of community, and recognize and reward employee efforts.
* Create a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration.

Chapter 7: The Courage to Speak Up

* Addresses the importance of speaking up against unethical behavior or workplace misconduct.
* Provides guidance on how to report concerns appropriately and safely.
* Emphasizes the importance of protecting whistleblowers and addressing retaliation.