Bossy

"A boss has the title. A leader has the people"

― Simon Sinek

April 3, 2023

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Lisa Ulshafer

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Take the Assessment

Are you tired of being called bossy? Do you find yourself taking control in every situation, even when it's not necessary? People who are bossy often come across as controlling and dismissive of the opinions and ideas of others. It can lead to conflicts and tension, and can make it difficult to work effectively in a team. It can also lead to resentment and cause others to lose respect for you. Overcoming bossiness requires a shift in mindset, as well as the development of new communication and leadership skills. It requires learning how to collaborate and compromise, while still being able to assert oneself in a respectful and constructive manner.

Here are some common signs that you may be bossy:

• Always wanting to be in charge: You may have a strong need to be in control of situations and often try to take charge of group activities.
  
  
• Giving orders: You may frequently give orders to others, expecting them to comply without question.
  
  
• Not considering others' opinions: You may ignore or dismiss the ideas and opinions of others, believing that your own ideas are superior.
  
  
• Micromanaging: You may try to control every aspect of a project or task, even if it is not necessary or productive.
  
  
• Using intimidation tactics: You may use threats or intimidation to get others to do what you want.
  
  
• Not being open to feedback: You may not be open to receiving feedback or criticism from others, as you believe you are always right.
  
  
• Not being a team player: You may prioritize your own goals and objectives over the goals of the team or group.
  
  
• Being overly critical: You may frequently criticize the work of others, without offering constructive feedback or solutions.
  
  
• Talking over others: You may interrupt or talk over others, not allowing them to express their opinions or ideas.

Here are 6 strategies for overcoming being bossy:

1. Listen to others: Take the time to actively listen to what others have to say. This can help you to better understand their perspective and can reduce the need for you to be bossy.

2. Practice humility: Recognize that you don't always have all the answers and that others may have valuable insights and ideas to contribute. As C.S. Lewis said, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less."

3. Delegate tasks: Learn to delegate tasks and responsibilities to others. This can help to empower others and reduce the need for you to be bossy.

4. Collaborate: Instead of being the sole decision-maker, learn to collaborate with others and make decisions together. This can help to build trust and foster teamwork.

5. Be open to feedback: Be open to receiving feedback from others and take the time to reflect on it. This can help you to become more self-aware and can reduce the need for you to be bossy.

6. Practice self-control: Take a deep breath and count to 10 before speaking or reacting in a situation. This can help you to maintain self-control and reduce the urge to be bossy.

By overcoming bossiness, you can build stronger and more positive relationships with others. Overcoming this behavior requires self-reflection, willingness to change, and effective communication skills. By understanding the difference between being assertive and being bossy, actively listening to others, and showing empathy, you can become a more collaborative and effective leader. Remember that leadership is not about being in control, but about empowering others to achieve their goals.