Meet the Boss from Hell

Meet the Boss from Hell

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

According to a new study, 30-something guy bosses are the worst. Here's why--and tips on how to deal.

Sure, we all have rotten days at work. But did you know your job satisfaction may depend on the sex of your boss? New research conducted at the University of Toronto says people have more problems at work when their boss is a younger man.

According to a study of 1,785 adults, people experience more unfair treatment, criticism, blame, unclear directions, and unnecessary demands when their boss is male and under the age of 40 (reports of conflict dropped significantly if the boss was in his 60s).

So what gives? Aren't guys stereotypically the more "laid-back" sex? Or is it because men experience declining testosterone as they age--and as a result become less aggressive and more easy-going?

"There isn't much variation between a male and female boss; however, having a young male superior can create a specific dynamic," says Lois P. Frankel, author of See Jane Lead.

"In general, women are socialized to avoid problems and put others' needs before their own--so they may not speak up if they're frustrated with their manager," Frankel says. "Many women also subconsciously feel defying their boss is equal to disrespecting their father," she says. "And when women bottle up frustration on the job, it can lead to more dissatisfaction.

"What's more, male bosses under 40 are often just becoming leaders for the first time, and as a result, they hit a panic button and flex more muscle because they think they're 'supposed' to," Frankel says. "So if your manager seems gruff, it may be because he feels it's the only way to gain respect."

Want tips on how to deal with a young male boss from hell? Go to Meet the Boss from Hell, page 2.

4 comments so far | Post a comment now >>

I’m not mean! Oh wait, I’m not the boss…

- matthew

Posted 09/10/08 04:50 PM

If you’re a woman, defying your boss is equal to disrespecting your father? Who wrote this article? Mr. Neanderthal?

- Tia

Posted 09/30/08 05:29 PM

Great article! I speak as a 50-something man who’s been through it all before. I manage a small group (1 man, six women) and have few, if any personality conflicts within the group. However, one of the other managers, one with whom I work daily, is the posterboy for this article. He’s mid-30’s, driven, and absolutely certain he knows everything about the job. Most of the problems within my group are a result of his insecurities and the effect he has on his people and interactions between our groups. he’s actually pretty good at what he does, but has no idea how to manage people without being a bully. Sigh…

- Bob

Posted 10/01/08 09:01 AM

I think you said the key word, Bob…insecurities. When insecurities and ego drive the actions of a manager, they tend to be bad bosses. At least, that has been my experience. People who are secure, confident (but not arrogant), looking out for the organization as a whole (not building their own empires) and emotionally healthy tend to be the best, most reasonable, most successful, productive managers.

- R. B.

Posted 10/01/08 11:28 AM