Chapter 17. Authoritarian Managers

Bureaucratic Monsters

On first glance, authoritarian managers can be difficult to tell apart from compulsive ones. Both are rigid and controlling in their dealings with subordinates. In addition to their making all decisions and micromanaging you, both authoritarian and compulsive managers have limited interest in listening to your ideas. They insist that there is only one right way to do things and will be happy to tell you what it is, even if you assure them they should not go to the trouble. In addition to these hallmark traits of rigidity, they both have a tendency to engage in angry outbursts.

Despite the similarities, there are important differences between the two. Understanding the differences and ...

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