Writing Feedback / Good Boss, Bad Boss: Compare/Contrast Essay [27]

I have been assigned to write a compare/constrast essay for my college english class. Though English was an easy subject way back then, I now find it difficult to compose an essay or write a grammatically correct essay. After hours of writing and rewriting the essays I've written so far, my grades on composition and subject has been a 90 each time but in the 70's on punctuation and grammar. No matter how hard I try, I just don't see my own mistakes when I proofread. I chose to compare and contrast a good boss versus bad boss.

Good Boss, Bad Boss

We live in a society that offers a diverse and broad range of job opportunities, though finding suitable employment can be difficult in today's economy. Most people need to work to survive, and in these hard times, people want to hang onto the jobs they have. For some, that means putting up with a bad boss. A boss is generally defined as someone who directly supervises the work activities of others. The perception of whether a boss is considered good or bad depends on the outlook of the employee being supervised. There are, however, a few important areas most people would agree makes a difference.

The most notable distinction between the two types of bosses is whether they trust you to do your job. A good boss provides good work direction, has a hands-off approach, and is available when needed. As a result, employees tend to be happier, more at ease, and more productive. On the other hand, a bad boss micromanages the work of employees, hangs over their shoulders, and often criticizes their work in front of others. Workers may feel stressed or threatened by their boss' presence, and as a result, are likely to make more mistakes and be less productive.

Open lines of communication are another consideration in determining a good, or bad, boss. A good boss has an open door policy, meets regularly with employees, and seeks employee input. Employees appreciate the opportunity to share their views and opinions, and will work harder when they feel appreciated and valued. In contrast, a bad boss has a closed door policy, does not invite unsolicited communication with employees, and can be quite rude when interrupted. Poor communication leaves employees frustrated, resentful, and unsure of their position. The employees' feelings often show up in the quality of their work.

Another noteworthy difference in a good boss and bad boss is their flexibility regarding personal emergencies. When possible, a good boss will work with an employee to provide the time needed to address a personal crisis without threat of job loss. However, a bad boss sees a personal emergency as strictly an issue the employee must deal with on their own time. The bad boss is unwilling to work with the employee to find a solution that will allow the employee to take care of the emergency and fulfill their employment obligations. Some employees are so intimidated by the bad boss, they will neglect their personal life in order to accommodate the boss.

Bosses come in all flavors and styles. Most bosses are easy to work with and will do their best to create an enjoyable working environment for everyone. Unfortunately for some, there are bosses who are controlling, rude, and uncooperative, which makes for a cold and unenthusiastic work environment. As the economy improves, employees will again be on the move, looking not only for better pay and more benefits, but also for better bosses. How a boss is viewed is a matter of personal opinion but most employees will agree that communication, flexibility, and trust are three key factors that set a good boss apart from a bad boss.