British Workers Inspired by US Example

A staggering 84% of UK office workers actually like working with their bosses but for inspiration instead of looking up to UK entrepreneurs and businesspeople they prefer to look across the Pond to the likes of Bill Gates.

UK bosses fared poorly in a survey of 340 people conducted by Jet UK, one of the UKís leading manufacturers of office products at this weekís Crme Show. In fact the news for businessmen like Sir Alan Sugar is that he is fired! For UK office workers their ideal boss would be someone who was fair and yet approachable and fun. Those who do not acknowledge good work, forget agreed actions and is plain old sexist are the modern office workersí nightmare.

Key findings:
- 84% of UK workers do in fact like their bosses!
- The majority of workers are simply looking for a fair boss ñ 63% - and someone who is approachable and fun ñ 19%. ä 3% would prefer it if the boss was never around! ä Bill Gates is the ideal boss in the eyes of 40% of the sample, with the creative Vivienne Westwood as the dream boss for over 25% of the sample ä The bad news for corporate Britain is that Sir Alan Sugar has been fired, deemed the boss from hell by over 30% of respondents, with the fictional David Brent on 27% ä And if Tony Blair thought he was safe he was seen as an ideal boss by only 9% of the sample ñ not good news for UK Plc!

Despite the fact that the inspiration for the dream boss is in fact the American Bill Gates, CEO of Microsoft, the good news for UK bosses is that they do appear to becoming far more approachable.

Just under half of the sample ñ 47% - stated that their boss regularly asked their staff how they were feeling, and 35% of them regularly asked their teams out for a drink.

Liz Jefferson, Sales and Marketing Director, Jet commented: ìMost full time workers spend around 70% of their lives at work so results such as this illustrate that UK bosses understand the needs and importance of their office secretaries. This in turn boosts moral and keeps us Brits happier in our every day lives and yet how surprising for us that we turn to the US for our inspiration!î

So who is your boss?

The Tiger
Sleek, stealthy, predatory and deadly. The Boss which resembles the Tiger is not to be trusted. They will cheerfully eat alive anyone who stands in their way. This boss is smooth and charming when it is in their interests, but will pounce when you least expect it!

Recognise them by their ruthlessness, and usually carefully concealed ambitions. And never forget to deal with them by never standing in their way.

The Gorilla
The big boss who likes to terrify subordinates with deafening displays of bellowing and angry chest thumping. But do not be misled, all this sound and fury signifies nothing. Deep down the gorilla is a gentle beast, provoked to genuine rage only when threatened. You will recognise gorillas by their positions of power and a tendency to bluster. Deal with them by standing your ground without ever challenging them head on.

The Sloth
This is the boss that spends their time seeking a nice quiet place in which to sleep their way to retirement. Low moving and slow thinking, the slothís only ambition is to be left alone.

Quiet, shy and self-effacing, the slothís favourite habitats are companies so large that they can vanish into the woodwork.

If this is your boss ñ get another job quickly as bankruptcy is just around the corner.

The Jackal
This is the most unpleasant boss you can imagine, as they attack their victims only after another predator has bought them down! This is the boss that hunts in packs, they gather eagerly whenever someoneís head is on the block.

Recognise them by their enthusiasm with which they spread malicious rumours and their enjoyment of other peopleís misfortunes.

Deal with them by never confiding in them or taking any notice of the tales they tell.

The Fox
The quick thinking and crafty fox is a natural survivor. Cunning and clever, they are usually able to outwit and outflank people in the office. They have a keen nose for danger, which enables this boss to steer clear of trouble and turn set backs to their advantage. This boss prospers through subtlety and guile rather than direct confrontations.

You will recognise the fox boss by their flexible thinking and the ease with which they adapt to change. If your boss is a fox then deal with them by watching how they react if the going gets tough and then copy their tactics.