You may get along famously with your own boss, but can you take the star quality of these ones? Will working for them be a dream come true, or downright terrifying? With tongue firmly in cheek, Stacey Wee trawls pop culture’s most memorable workplaces for five types of bosses and their famous equivalents.
1. Mr Heart-Of-Gold
Best represented by: Michael Scott, The Office
The manager of a small paper company in NBC’s sitcom The Office is lovingly remembered as having the worst comedic timing and organising grander office parties than the company could possibly afford.
What Mr Heart-of-Gold is like: He means well and his heart is good to a fault. Unfortunately, this means he has a tendency to interrupt important meetings with an impromptu, over-the-top rendition of "Happy Birthday" to make you feel special.
Why he’s awesome: He loves his staff so much that he remembers your birthday, your mother’s birthday, your marriage anniversary, and even your cat’s death anniversary.
Why he might raise eyebrows: He doesn’t really have any concept of personal space.
How to handle him: Be his friend and laugh at his jokes, but keep your distance and don’t over-share. When the conversation gets too personal, gently but firmly re-focus it on work.
2. Mr Ah-Beng
Best represented by: Phua Chu Kang, Phua Chu Kang (PCK) Pte Ltd
The contractor of PCK Pte Ltd, with his trademark yellow boots and protruding facial mole, is loud, effusive, and competitive. When he’s not trying to outsmart his rival, Frankie Foo, he’s lusting after his mother’s ice kachang with extra attap-chee.
What Mr Ah-Beng is like: He’s never really seen the difference between problem and ‘por-berm’, and frankly, why should he? His often maligned Grade-A Singlish is no impediment to his success—partners and clients know that his business sense is as sharp as the tip of his extra long pinky fingernail.
Why he’s awesome: After work, he’ll gamely sing karaoke with you at the KTV lounge.
Why he might raise eyebrows: His extensive collection of Martell cognac and obsession with being the ‘best in Singapore, JB, and some say Batam’ at all costs.
How to handle him: Take his savvy business advice. With him around, you probably have a wealth of information and resources at your fingertips that could help you get your fledgling business idea off the ground.
3. Mr Fearsome
Best represented by: Gordon Ramsay, Hell’s Kitchen
The heat is on in the kitchen when Gordon Ramsay is in charge, directing aspiring chefs to produce a flawless dinner service. But he didn’t get his Michelin stars by swearing and food throwing, but by his obsession with perfection.
Ramsay will personally taste all the dishes to make sure these are good enough to serve. He often tosses whole plates of food in the trash, and screeches at teams to “GET OUT!”. His sentences are often punctuated with colourful swear words.
What Mr Fearsome is like: He zeroes in on mistakes or imperfections with decisive aim, before lashing out with a stinging insult or a piercing remark. Could it be worse? Try one of his temper tantrums. This is one boss you don’t want to cross—his bark matches his bite, and you’ll have the mental scars to prove it.
Why he’s awesome: Your work will be better than ever because you’re so frightened of making mistakes.
Why he might raise eyebrows: You wonder what he uses his black belt in martial arts for, and whether you might be on the receiving end of a skilled blow.
How to handle him: Leave that weak heart at the door – you’re going to be under some harsh treatment. Calm him down when he starts yelling at you. Acknowledge his feelings, and then move on to the facts if you want to deal effectively with aggression.
4. Mr Who?
Best represented by: Charlie Townsend, Charlie’s Angels
We know him as that enigmatic, authoritative voice giving instructions to three beautiful women so they can save the world. He takes good care of his employees, and his ‘angels’ love him for it. It’s hard to put a face to a desktop speaker box though, so maybe he could consider Skype?
What Mr Who? is like: You can probably count the number of times you’ve talked to him on one hand. On your first phone call, Mr Who? gives you a cheery ‘Good Morning!’ followed by a short briefing—don’t hope to ask any follow-up questions. You could be completely lost but he’ll only call you again when the project is over, either to congratulate you or give feedback on a poor performance.
You never see him around, though. He’s always on a business trip or out to see a client. The day you spot an unfamiliar figure in the office—be at your best, it just might be your boss!
Why he’s awesome: He feels bad for not being around, although he never explains why. To keep staff happy, he makes sure the pantry is always fully stocked with the finest coffee and up-market snacks.
Why he might raise eyebrows: His zero % attendance record.
How to handle him: Answer his calls, messages and e-mails promptly. Praise from him comes in the form of a smiley face emoticon. ☺
5. Ms Tough Love
Best represented by: ‘M’, James Bond
As the head of the Foreign Intelligence wing of Her Majesty's Secret Service, she’s stern and analytical. M pulls Bond out of his many scrapes and vouches for his character, all the while maintaining that famous British reserve. M is probably the closest thing to a mother that Bond—an orphan—will ever have.
What Ms Tough Love is like: She appears powerful and hard to please, and would rather deal with numbers than emotions. Keep digging beneath that stoic exterior and you’ll find someone who truly cares. She can’t resist a wry comment at your expense, though.
Why she’s awesome: She knows what’s best for you, and will help you with her fantastic foresight.
Why she might raise eyebrows: She’s rarely impressed by anything, or doesn’t show it. You might get a curt nod if you’re lucky.
How to handle her: There’s no fooling around with this Madam. Less talk and more action will earn her respect.
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