My Boss Has No Spine

You can discern whether your boss is spineless very easily. They stand for nothing and embrace everything.

“I am sorry that I have to ask all of you to do this, but you know… (stutter) I have my marching orders from management and we all have to agree with management.”

Bull.

If a good boss does not agree with an executive decision, s/he has several choices.

1) Go to his/her boss and express true feelings about a decision, unemotionally, but factually.

2) Refuses to embrace the ludicrous decision. Tells staff that s/he disagrees with the marching orders, but does not suggest anarchy (even if that is the way s/he really feels). Respecting authority means doing ethical things that we may not agree with. Reinforces respect for authority. Is honest with his/her employees and tells them that it is a decision coming from a higher authority.

3) Never abandons his/her principles and explains how this decision does not agree with his/her core values. Suggests that people appropriately voice their concern. (Key here is appropriate)

As a manager, you must never assume the role of a “potted plant” as one of my favorite attorneys stated back in the late 80s.

You can tell when your boss has just turned into a gelatinous material. You hate it. S/he cannot possibly do anything but the chant the executive corporate mantra.

It is a death march sending you into obscurity or mediocrity.

Don’t take it. Deal with it head on (appropriately). If you get no results and stupid decisions are part of the corporate culture, GET OUT!

Working for a spineless boss is as bad as working for a micromanager. The spineless boss has no original thought process and the micromanager spews his/her insecurities all over you until you cannot breathe.

Even if your experience is in a market that is tight and difficult, do not GIVE UP. There is another job somewhere for you. A competent boss, who has a strong spine, awaits you.

You are never in a situation that cannot be changed. The only roadblock is your mind.

Cheers!