Bosses can mean so much to someone in a different way. In most cases, it’s always negative. An individual can complain and rant their hearts out about their bosses, may it be it’s a real definition of bosses from hell or ungrateful boss (either way it still means the same).
In my case, I do remember a time where I was doing my internship for three months at a place I have no regrets leaving. Why I say this is from a situation I’ve encountered where even though there was a mistake which was clearly not my fault, I was expected by my supervisor to apologize to the person who did the mistake after I’ve explained my side of the story. There were lots of shouting and back talks at the place I intern as well as discrimination. I would definitely call that place a downright hell hole. If you gave me a million dollar paycheck to work at that place again, I’ll rather be unemployed than to lose my mental health with a literal boss from hell.
Just like me, most of you may have landed a boss with these kinds of characteristic at least once in your life that crushes your soul and the will to work. According to a survey by Randstad Workmonitor survey, about 81% of Malaysians prefer to work with a manager or boss who is older than them. Seven in 10 respondents across Asia say their direct managers and bosses treat their colleagues from various generation differently, about 68% of Malaysian.
Now, can it just be a case of the age difference or that it depends on the personality of the bosses? We have interviewed some of our 2Cents readers and have an in-depth look that not all bosses are out there to destroy our soul but rather to define themselves as bosses from heaven. Here’s why.
Jawagar Samidurai and Derrik Yaw
(left) Jawagar and (right) Derrik
Jawagar, 24 have been working with a successful production house called Graph Studio for about two years now. From working hand in hand with famous local celebrities and social media influencer as well as his company being nominated as the finalist amongst thousands of candidates submission globally in an award called Adfest in Korea. Jawagar regards his success if it’s not for his boss and partner in board games, Derrik Yaw.
What is it like working with your boss, Derrik?
Boss? I don’t think the term boss is something I would signify with but I guess we see ourselves as friends who want to achieve the same goal. If to put into perspective, it’s fun!
View this post on Instagramwe will be back stronger!! #TeamGraph #TeamFishermen #kancil2017 #freeflow
How would you describe your relationship with your boss?
To be honest, we see ourselves as bro’s while being professional at work. For me, it didn’t feel weird because I’ve never seen him as my boss although he is. At the end of the day, he is also a human being and we are working together. So, I’ll definitely make sure whatever task is given, meets the dateline.
Describe three things about Derrik that you admire?
He’s a workaholic, an expert in board games (hence, why I always team up with him), and his love for what he does, in this case, directing.
From the boss ….
How do you differentiate between your work and your friendship with your employer?
Always maintain mutual respect for his/her private space and time. After work outings and activity is important but it’s always on a voluntary basis. I would never invade their personal time without mutual respect.
Do you think it is important for every boss to maintain a close friendship with their employer outside of work? Why?
Yes, I do. But I believe in a non-hierarchy co-working environment where every co-worker is colleague and collaborator. Each person must feel empowered to voice out and contribute in order to motivate and grow together. Therefore the relationship between co-worker is extremely important for the business/work to grow.
Ng Chee Leon and Chong Soon Fui
(left) Leon and his boss (right) Fui
Leon has been working with a product development company that designs and distributes crystal and wood by the name of Nilai Crystal & Souvenirs Sdn. Bhd. It’s located in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. 6 long years he has been in this company and he credits most of his success to his friend-like boss, Chong Soon Fui.
What is it like working with your boss?
I am extremely grateful for my boss because of the person that he is. He’s is a great person to begin with so naturally working with him becomes more fun and exciting. In turn, makes me forgot of the stress of doing my job.
How would you describe your relationship with your boss, Fui?
During work, we are totally professional work partners. We set a goal every time we’re in the office in hopes to achieve provide the best for our clients. However, after work, my boss, Fui is like my friend and brother. My boss is somebody that I can rely on when I need a listener and also a truly helpful person.
Describe three things about Fui that you admire?
His leadership with a positive mindset, his willingness to share about life experience to me and his ability to differentiate clearly on work and non-work related matters. To explain further, he doesn’t let his status as a boss to be a dictator but rather an understanding person as a whole. Fui reaches out to me when he sees me stressing out for work and guide me patiently through it all.
How do you differentiate your work life and your friendship with your boss?
As for me, I take working hours seriously to me. While working alongside my boss, I will follow his instruction and take his order. Of course, after work, we won’t be talking about our jobs and rather just hang out like normal friends.
In your opinion, do you think good bosses exist? Why?
Yes, because Fui is one of the reasons why my life is much more simpler and I can learn new things every day.
From the Boss ….
How do you distinguish work and friendship from employees?
When it comes to work, I keep it strictly professional that whatever we talk, it only pertains to work matters. After hours of the job, it’s when it’s free and easy.
Do you feel it is important for each boss to maintain a close friendship with the employee when leaving the work area? Why?
As a boss, it is important to make sure that you be friends with your employees over a meal or any team activities so when there’s anything that happens in the company, employees will have a sense of honesty within them, to tell the truth. Also, you can guide and help them to solve the issues pertaining to work. That is when I feel particularly happy when I’m working.
History of Boss’s Day
World Boss Day is typically celebrated every October 16th and can be traced back to the year 1958. This is when an employee of State Farm Insurance Co. in Deerfield, Illinois, Patricia Bays Haroski, decided to register the holiday with the U.S Chamber of Commerce. She chose that particular day is also because not only does she want to have a sense of appreciation for her own boss but for every employer to have the same towards their own too. She also believed that Boss’s Day would become instrumental in improving employer-employee relations.
via GIPHY
However, over the past few years, Boss’s Day has sparked somewhat of a controversy. Some people feel that Boss’s Day is an outdated concept that needs to end. A number of reasons are usually cited as to how people perceive of this is when it put on financial pressure on employees to sort of force them to appreciate their boss.
While it originated as an American holiday, in the beginning, interest in Boss’s Day began to spread outside of the U.S. Nowadays, it is being observed and celebrated in India, Lithuania, Australia and South Africa.
Source: www.holidayscalendar.com
“A good manager is a man who isn’t worried about his own career but rather the careers of those who work for him.”
– H. S. M. Burns
Bosses Day is for any person that has helped you while working. That includes managers, supervisors and including your senior staff members. Bosses appreciate positive recognition as much as anyone else does. They shed their hard work and patience in guiding us to be a better worker. It only right to celebrate them at least once a year.
Most of you must be wondering, what can you do as an employer to show gratitude for your bosses?
Here are some of the things you can do;
After work Celebrations
Image via Mr Media Training
What’s the best way to connect to a whole company and build a stronger relationship? Dinner and drinks! Organise a night out packed with activities too could forge a better bond between employer and employees. You could always start with a simple dinner and progress to something fun. For example, bowling or badminton sports. Heading out together as a team encourages employee engagement and get to know each other. Of course, since it’s for the bosses, make sure they are having a great time and spend time interacting with each other.
Create a Team Card
Coming together as a team to tell your boss “We appreciate You” can mean more than it actually sounds. Select a card that fits your manager and boss specific personality and ends it with a simple signed card by employees. This is a gesture that your boss will never forget. Who knows, extra bonus for you too!
Gift of award
Let’s be honest, even bosses and managers need to sit back and let us(employers) award them for their hard work once in a while. Take breaks from the desk and have an award ceremony. It doesn’t have to be a serious prize giving but takes it up a notch with quirky awards like the best-dressed boss, fashionable supervisor, funniest boss, and plus insert humour like most coffee consumption per day.
Give a gift
It doesn’t have to be an expensive gift at all. Gifts are a fine idea especially if it’s involving a group of employees. The more personal the gift is, the better (with a limit, of course). If your boss is an athletic type, a sporting good would be the perfect gift for him. “World Best Boss” mug is another addition of gifts if your boss is a coffee drinker. Probably just anything that can translate to how your boss is being appreciated for the day.
Either way, if you’re dealing with a boss from hell or the nicest employer you’ve ever met, always remember that at the end of the day, your mental health is the most important thing. Never sacrifice your sanity and family time for work before it’s too late. Just a friendly advice from 2Cents. Have a great week!