6 types of bosses (and how to work for them)

Across your career, you will work for a wide range of bosses and managers. Here are the six types of boss and how to work for them.

You might have a friend who absolutely adores their boss and would do anything for them; you might also have a friend who has had a string of bosses they cant find a way to work with. Working out how to work under your boss can be tricky, so we thought we would help.

Figuring out how your boss thinks can give you a real advantage on the path to success. Research has shown that bosses can be divided into six basic categories. But how are you supposed to know which category your bosses fall in?

All workplaces depend on hitting that fine-tuned blend of personality types and, no personality is more central than the boss’. Figuring out what it takes to make a great working relationship between the two of you can give you an opportunity to better showcase your skills and hard work.

Perhaps your boss is a dreamer — what’s known as a ‘visionary’ type. They’re inspiring to work for and have great ideas but don’t always provide a plan to carry them out. The best way to work with such a leader is to listen carefully, express your enthusiasm and find practical solutions.

An opposite type of the visionary is the ‘commander’. Commander bosses give you concrete tasks to do and expect them to be done as they’ve instructed. If you want a little more freedom, your best bet is to suggest a list of solutions.

Learning the different personality traits of your boss and knowing how to adapt and bring the best results to improve the company is vital as you progress through your career and can also guide and shape how you lead others.

Whatever type of boss you have, you’re sure to find out a bit more about them from the new infographic from Quid Corner. It indicates how to identify each of the six main types and how best to work with them.

Owen Gough

Owen Gough

Owen Gough is a reporter for SmallBusiness.co.uk. He has a background in small business marketing strategies and is responsible for writing content on subjects ranging from small business finance to technology...

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