The Notebook Boss and Why You Should Avoid Working for Them

D uring the course of my career I’ve had the opportunity to work for various types of bosses — different gender, nationality, industry background and ages. I’ve also started my own businesses and had chances to be the boss.

I’ve noticed that some bosses have a habit that risks forming a highly damaging culture within their organizations. Over the long run, the company or team which they lead may become political and non-innovative.

This habit is that of expecti ng subordinates to gather in meetings with notebooks (or laptops these days) and studiously take down notes when they (the boss) are talking.

Have you ever joined a new company or a team where you have your first meeting with the boss, and you are told by your manager or colleagues you should go in with a little notebook and pen, and be ready to jot down notes as the boss speaks?

It could be for a regular update session, where work in progress or the state of the business is being presented to your boss. Or it could be an ad-hoc meeting to discuss a project or problem.

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