Under a Pink Ceiling

For years women have declared that if only more women could break through that glass ceiling and achieve better position and jobs under female bosses, our working environment would be a better place. But if this were true, why do so many women hate working for a female boss? Here are some expert’s tips…. 

There are essentially three types of women bosses:  

The Head Girl  

This boss wields her power like the cool school prefect. She gives you a lift home, takes you out to lunch but demands 100 percent puppy-like loyalty. The downside is they have favourites and tend to freeze out those who bore them.  

The Queen Bee  

She’ll get you hooked because she is so hard to please you just can’t help yourself from trying. This is the one who sees any female as her competition and will do her best to keep you down. 

The Only Woman in a Man’s World  

People think the nightmare female boss is the one who acts like a man. This woman uniquely combines the best of both sexes by being tough and driven, yet wants everyone to have the same experience clawing their way to the top that she did.  

(Source: Shane Watson from UK Times online) 

Tips to help you deal with your boss: (BOX-OUT) 

  • Communication is key between colleagues and then understanding the situation and finding the best solution.  
  • Sometimes not everyone can get along but they still have to work together, so leaving personal opinions, biases out of the office is a good idea.  
  • Making sure performance is consistent so if the situation gets out of hand it can always be taken to the HR team for mediation.  
  • If your boss is trying to sabotage your work, make sure everything is written, emails are saved and any changes in directives are not just verbally agreed on.  
  • Sometimes it is good to have a third party in the room during any discussion, even minor ones. 
  • Make sure expectations on role responsibility and performance are clear from the start.