The Horrible Boss Effect Shauna Vaughan

Shauna was given a training manual from 1969, and this is the first episode in a series where she will discuss excerpts from it. In this episode, she looks at the section called “What It Takes To Be a Leader.” Remember: Things were different in a lot of ways in 1979…and not so different in other ways. This will be a fun series! 

Shauna explains the story behind The Horrible Boss Effect.

Laurie-Ann’s horrible boss was, let’s say, not a great communicator and her style of “leadership” left much to be desired. We discuss how leaders must remember that they hire people to help solve problems, not to create them. Leadership sets the tone, and great leaders must communicate effectively and openly – unless there is criticism or coaching needed, then that should happen privately and constructively. Listen to learn how Laurie-Ann learned to be a better leader thanks to her experience with this boss and a four inch binder.

Alesandra shared her story on TikTok, and I knew I had to chat with her! Her story of a horrible boss is full of lessons, both for aspiring leaders and tenured leaders. Listen in as we discuss what happens when assumptions are made, there is no attempt to “seek first to understand” (as Covey would say), and when it’s important to involve front line people when making decisions. There is so much to be learned through Alesandra’s experience!

Sometimes the absence of a leader can teach us how to be a better leader! In this episode, we’ll hear about how Mike learned how to lead a team based on his experience of NOT being led – his horrible boss was an absentee boss. It is pretty interesting how people created their own “feedback” mechanism despite their boss being absent! And, of course, we’ll hear how this influenced Mike’s leadership style when he eventually took the place of his horrible boss.

Angie’s horrible boss was promoted into his position based on his technical skills after the company she worked for went through a merger and acquisition. As with all mergers and acquisitions, there are a lot of changes and adjustments. Angie identified one item to adjust that would help employees. You’ll never believe what her horrible boss told her to do about it! Listen as she shares what this experience, and the whole of working with this horrible boss, taught her about how to be a better leader.