Bosses Are People Too

President, Vice President, CEO, COO, Manager, Director, Team Leader, Supervisor; these are just a few of the titles that we have to answer to on a daily basis.  Some of these positions seem to carry more esteem than others and if you are like most, one of your goals in life is to have one of these titles.  To be...The Boss.

As we are moving through the ranks towards a leadership position we tend to share the illusion that the further up the ladder we climb, the easier it will get.  While I wish I could tell you this were true, in good conscious I cannot. 

Being the "Boss" is hard work.   If you think it is hard to work for your boss, try trading places with them for the day and being the boss.  

Society views the boss as someone that should have all the answers all the time, and never be wrong.  They should be smart without being condescending, funny but serious, caring but not to involved in people's lives - all at the same time.   They need to know how set lofty goals that make their boss happy, but lower goals to make their reports happy. They are required to motivate, encourage, correct and reprimand, but still maintain an upbeat demeanor and smile at all times.

The reality is that most of those traits are a great goal to work towards, but they are unrealistic of us to expect of others.  The truth is that most of us don't hold ourselves that to that high of a standard.  

And therein lies one the major flaws in life.  We expect more of others than we expect of ourselves.  We tend to be really good at justifying our own actions when we miss the mark, but we love to tear someone down when they miss the mark.  Sort of like the old saying goes, that we tend to judge ourselves by our intentions, while judging others by their actions.  You can't have it both ways.  You either judge everyone by actions (hint - this will leave you disappointed most of your life) or you cut people some slack, believing that their intentions were good.

Bosses are people too.  We can jump to conclusions and easily assume the worst of a situation, or even worse than that, we can assume the worst of people.  I dare say to a degree that is just part of human nature.  But I want to encourage you today to take some time to see the best in those around you, especially your boss.  If they are anything like me they aren't perfect, but are trying.

Now get to work!  You don't want your boss to find you slacking off.