If you and your boss just are not getting along, it may be that you two are just not compatible. In fact the same sort of terms we often use in connection with dating can also apply to the manager/employee relationship.
In this article, Bridget Quigg and Lydia West from PayScale.com breakdown managers' personalities into four main types:
- The Performer – an extrovert who thrives on attention and last-minute frantic preparation.
- The Dreamer – this is the guy or girl who loves coming up with new ideas. At the same time he or she may not be able to put those dreams and ideas into practice.
- The Cheerleader – whatever you do, this manager-type thinks it's brilliant.
- The Super Achiever – the type of boss who wants more meetings, more work, more projects and more from everyone.
The article also breaks down the types of employees who would go best with each personality type. For example, for the Dreamer the best compatible employee would be "realists with vision. A boss whose head is in the clouds needs employees who will help them focus their energy on the best of their ideas and develop plans to make those dreams a reality."
So, keep this in mind the next time you feel like strangling your boss. You may just not have matching personalities. This may require a change on both your parts, either within the office by taking a new job or by changing your own expectations.