The Travel Diary: Are You The Arrogant Boss? -By Ifeoma Samuel

Ifeoma Samuel

I could hardly contain my displeasure in the arrogance he displayed. I struggle to figure why many bosses treat their staff with disregard and disdain. Were it not for the urgency of the project at hand, I would have put a hold on it and searched elsewhere. But he was a pro in his field perhaps that contributed to the cheap pride he had.

As soon as the boss’s arrival greeted the long waiting clientele, the air suddenly went cold and stuffy at once. This quick change in staffs’ demeanour was noticeable as their once wide smiles froze up into stern faces.

I requested for some items to enable our meeting flow seamlessly. ‘I am sorry madam, the boss would be really upset’, the frontline staff answered softly, as if she didn’t want to be heard. ‘Ok, I do understand’, I replied.

Before our brief conversation was over, I heard him bark orders to another subordinate. Then in the flash of the moment, he turned to a client sitting nearby, asking in a harsh tone, “What do you want again?” I felt sorry for the customer as she struggled to compose herself amidst an unexpected outburst of emotions.

This boss surely hadn’t met his match, I thought within myself. With so much going on for his business, his attitude was going to kill it faster than it got on its feet.

For goodness sake, how on earth could someone be so mean even to the foot soldiers raking in millions for him.

I guess not everyone has ever heard of courtesy, or customer service or personable employee treatment, needless to say a suitable manner of approach within a business premises.

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Let’s spare him, just maybe he is always having a bad day, who knows?

Going forward, we have a thing or two to learn from the narrative.

Three Signs You Are An Arrogant Boss

1. Your staff are unhappy. You call yourself “a Christian” but your staff are not sure you are one. The best people to give a statement of your faith and character are those you have power and position over. Queen Sheba’s assessment of the wisdom of King Solomon was inclusive of the happiness of his subjects and palace servants.

Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. – I Kings 10:8

2. You are avoided. A wise boss one day called his gateman to tell him the truth about what others said about him…*I think he adopted that wisdom from Jesus*. At some point, during his ministry, Jesus asked what others really thought of him!

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? – Matthew 16:13

Whether you are a boss or a team leader, always ponder on these questions.

♠ How do people react when you step into your office?
♠ Do you notice a sudden quietness?
♠ Do others exhibit a level of excitement on seeing you?
♠ Has anyone ever said to you, “You are not your usual self, is everything OK”?
♠ Do you really care about those who work for you?

3. You find every occasion to remind others, ‘Who is Boss’. Fear does not equate to respect although the difference is often misconstrued. You can be the boss without being bossy. Everyone knows ‘who is boss’.

If you always feel the need to reinforce it, then there is a problem somewhere. Either you are not good at your job and you make others work behind the scene for you or your ego is getting in your way.

Three Important Lessons Learnt:

1. Your staff are the tools to building your financial dynasty or reaching your career peak. Never treat them like pawns to be easily discarded. They could screw you over!

2. Arrogance and pride are self-made destructive pits that would smash you down despite your altitude. Avoid these twin evils and keep your head on your shoulders always.

3. There will always be someone better at your game. It takes only time, the arrogant boss will be abandoned to his wreckage. Everybody has a choice and would prefer a business suite where they are treated with respect. So treat everyone who crosses your path with respect.

This is the third instalment of the travel dairy series, catch up on the previous articles and lots more >>HERE<<. If you enjoyed this real-life short series, you’ll love the July edition. I will reveal the upcoming July Theme next week. Don’t forget to join me here OK?

Finally, the Good Morning Girls Nigeria Online Bible Study for ladies only is on. Join here for free.

By His Great Grace,
Ifeoma Samuel

Ifeoma Samuel is an author, blogger and speaker at women’s conferences. She uses her writings to share everyday life stories about God’s immense love, and is the author of My 30 Days Journey To a Fulfilled Life. Visit her blog Purposeful And Meaningful and you can follow her on Pinterest|Google+|Facebook