In a previous post I listed 9 Bad Bosses I have experienced in my working career.  In that post I stated that I was looking for Bad Boss number ten.  In the follow up feedback to that post I have been reminded of perhaps the worst boss of all and he or she is a combination of a couple of the ones listed.

Qualifying for perhaps the biggest “bad boss” award, but certainly qualifying for a number 10 slot:

The never say anything one-way or the other and you never know where he or she stands on anything, so you keep doing the best you know how and then one day, seemingly out of nowhere, he or she has an issue with the entire project you have been working on boss.

Have you ever known that boss?

Leaders, here’s my advice.  If you have a problem with the overall direction of a team member’s activities, tell them early in the project.  If you suspect a team member is not a good fit for the team, do not pretend they are until they have unknowingly settled into the position.  Consistent and constructive feedback is critical to a healthy team.

I am not suggesting you become a nagging leader, but I am suggesting that a surprise attack is never fair, seldom effective, and usually disruptive to a pleasant working environment.

Do you have a worse example of a bad boss for me to consider?

Related posts:

1. 9 Bad Boss Types
2. Elements To Help Build a Healthy Team Spirit
3. How To Get Projects Completed Successfully (In A Team Environment)
4. Follow Up: Inviting Evaluation From Your Team (Part 3)
5. Will The Real Leader Please Stand Up?