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Strategic Partners

25 May 2006

British workers more likely to be inspired by US business leaders

A survey has found that the majority of UK employees like their bosses, but have a higher regard for CEOs from across the pond.

UK bosses fared poorly in a survey of 340 people conducted by Jet UK, a manufacturer of office products. Although 84% of UK office workers actually like working with their bosses, they’re more inspired by US bosses.

Of the sample surveyed, 63% are looking for a fair boss and 19% someone who’s approachable and fun. A minority of 3% would prefer it if the boss was never around, while 40% see Bill Gates, CEO of Microsoft, as the ideal boss and 25% would pick fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.

Thumbs down for Sugar and Blair's leadership style
But Prime Minister Tony Blair was seen as an ideal boss by only 9%. Nor did the command-and-control approach of Apprentice star and Amstrad boss Sir Alan Sugar go down well. He was deemed the boss from hell by over 30% of respondents, with the fictional David Brent following close behind at 27%.

Leaders show a human side
The good news is that UK bosses appear to becoming far more approachable. Just under half of the sample – 47% – stated that their boss regularly asked them staff how they were feeling, and 35% of them regularly asked their teams out for a drink.

Who’s your boss? Find out from these animal alter egos:

The Tiger
Sleek, stealthy, predatory and deadly.  The boss who resembles the tiger is not to be trusted.  They’ll cheerfully eat alive anyone who stands in their way. This boss is smooth and charming when it is in their interests, but will pounce when you least expect it. Recognize them by their ruthlessness, and usually carefully concealed ambitions. And never forget to deal with them by never standing in their way.

The Gorilla
The big boss who likes to terrify subordinates with deafening displays of bellowing and angry chest thumping. But don’t be misled – all this sound and fury signifies nothing. Deep down the gorilla is a gentle beast, provoked to genuine rage only when threatened. You’ll recognize gorillas by their positions of power and a tendency to bluster. Deal with them by standing your ground without ever challenging them head on.

The Sloth
This is the boss that spends their time seeking a nice quiet place in which to sleep their way to retirement. Slow moving and slow thinking, the sloth’s only ambition is to be left alone. Quiet, shy and self-effacing, the sloth’s favorite habitats are companies so large that they can vanish into the woodwork. If this is your boss – get another job quickly as bankruptcy is just around the corner.

The Jackal
This is the most unpleasant boss you can imagine, as they attack their victims only after another predator has bought them down. This is the boss that hunts in packs, gathering eagerly whenever someone’s head is on the block. Recognize them by the enthusiasm with which they spread malicious rumors and their enjoyment of other people’s misfortunes. Deal with them by never confiding in them or taking any notice of the tales they tell.

The Fox
The quick thinking and crafty fox is a natural survivor.  Cunning and clever, they’re usually able to outwit and outflank people in the office. They have a keen nose for danger, which enables this boss to steer clear of trouble and turn set backs to their advantage.  This boss prospers through subtlety and guile rather than direct confrontations. You’ll recognize the fox boss by their flexible thinking and the ease with which they adapt to change.  If your boss is a fox then deal with them by watching how they react if the going gets tough and then copy their tactics.

 

 

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