Let me tell you this on your face – we hear it everyday, read about it on every next day in newspapers / magazines, etc, get quotes quoted as abundantly as possible – about great leaders; but the fact is that your Boss is never that Ideal, Great Leader who will show you the path to nirvan or help you become another leader in your own right –he is simply your BOSS!
So, how do you deal with such lesser mortals, who are trying hard to be a great leader, but are nothing but a mere autocratic manager?
Well, there are two ways:
1. Just leave them to their green pastures to graze until they get kicked out, or you get a better place to work (better? U must be kidding!)
2. Lick his a…, u know what I mean
Now, the sad part is (its bright for lot many, in fact), you will be forced to take the second way in most cases whether you like it or not. As far as my experience goes, and it goes quite a bit, I have not seen any boss who doesn't like to be "buttered" by his/her people. But, that's not the problem. Problem arises, when these Bosses starts believing in this "buttered" qualities for themselves and act in some strange, euphoric manner trying to prove to the world as if they are the last eternal corporate samurai left!
Well, don't think that all Bosses are like that: there are still few specimens of real good bosses left in this corporate world, who are though, on the verge of complete extinction.
So, if you are the one who would rather lick an ice-cream and avoid the Boss's …, you (again) only have two ways left:
1. make it straight to your boss that you are a no-nonsense person and only mean business
2. interact with him only when required, but keep him posted on all your activities via mail / weekly meetings etc.
One thing is sure, if you are doing your job as required, maintain a cordial relationship with your colleagues and show an earnest interest to learn and actively participate towards your company's success, it doesn't matter how you deal with your boss. But, remember the golden rule: Always keep your Boss informed about your activities, never ever try to give him a surprise. And, bingo! You have succeeded to survive this mad place called office.