Good Boss, Bad Boss: How to Be the Best... and Learn from the Worst by Robert I. Sutton

Good Boss, Bad Boss: How to Be the Best… and Learn From the Worst, by Robert I. Sutton, explores the intricate dynamics between employers and their employees. According to the author, success or failure in the workplace is often due to the type of leadership provided by the boss. Sutton asserts that good bosses exist, but bad bosses can be just as common. Unfortunately, bad bosses are a stumbling block to success both for the companies they run and the people who are employed by them.

Sutton begins by emphasizing the importance of good leaders, telling readers that “being a great boss is something you owe not just to those you lead, but to yourself.” He contends that good bosses take an active interest in their employees, their workloads and their job satisfaction. The author notes that research has consistently shown that employees perform better when working with a good leader.

The author then moves to arguing that bad bosses are far too common in the workplace. He identifies three major characteristics of a bad boss: authoritarianism, narcissism and distrust. Authoritarian bosses manage in a top-down, heavy-handed way that stifles employee input and creates an atmosphere of fear and submission. Narcissists are selfish and view the workplace primarily as a means of furthering their own success, while distrustful bosses second-guess their employees and tolerate no mistakes. Whichever of the three is present, bad bosses tend to create a culture of low morale and a lack of loyalty among their employees.

The heart of the book is Sutton’s practical advice on how to become a great boss. He advocates open communication, honest feedback, respect, mutual trust and a sense of generosity. Sutton also recommends that leaders possess emotional intelligence, emotional maturity and the ability to think from the perspective of their employees. Ultimately, he firmly believes that good bosses are rare, but vital for companies to succeed.

Sutton also offers guidance for employees of bad bosses. He encourages them to find the silver lining and learn from the experience without becoming bitter. He also emphasizes that employees should keep reasonable expectations with regard to the employer’s behaviour, be firm but reasonable in their requests, document important conversations and, if necessary, document mistreatment. According to Sutton, employees should treat bad bosses as an opportunity to learn how to improve their own leadership style.

In conclusion, Good Boss, Bad Boss: How to Be the Best… and Learn From the Worst provides an insightful look at the importance of good leadership in the workplace and how to achieve it. It is a must-read for business leaders, providing both insightful advice on improving their management skills and practical guidance for dealing with difficult bosses. By learning from bad boss behaviour, readers can empower themselves to become effective, inspiring leaders.