Demise of the workplace dictator

They may make good television, but we donít believe they make good bosses: Gordon Ramsey, Sir Alan Sugar and Sir Alex Fergusson top the list of people weíd least like to work for.

Fiery Gordon Ramsay (18 per cent) beat the others to the role of nightmare boss, pipping Sir Alex Fergusson (13 per cent) and Alan Sugar (12 per cent). Sir Richard Branson emerged as the most popular with three quarters (45 per cent) of employees saying they would be happy working under his helm, according to research by totaljobs.com.

So how do British bosses measure up to Branson? It seems that thereís some discrepancy between self-perception and reality. While 77 percent of managers regarded themselves as trustworthy, only 31 percent of those beneath them agreed. Similarly, only 37 percent of colleagues considered their boss forward thinking, compared to 62 percent of bosses who prided themselves on their foresight. Sense of humour was found be another point of disagreement: whereas 21 percent of managers thought themselves to be a good laugh, half the number of their colleagues shared the joke (10 per cent).

Yet the results werenít all bad for British bosses, with many showing admirable leadership traits:

- 98 per cent emerged as independent, and reasonably self-sufficient
- 85 per cent are able to respond well to meeting deadlines
- 89 per cent are level-headed, and rarely lose their cool
- 47 per cent are felt by their peers to be supportive
- 84 per cent are felt by peers to be non-dictatorial, and democratic

Commenting on the research, psychologist David Moxon said: ëWhile continuing to populate our television screens, the ranting Ramsay-esque dictator is finally on his way out of the workplace. And a more consultative but no less decisive boss is replacing him, one who manages to combine personal ambition with looking after his team.í

To cater for this more empowering management, totaljobs.com has launched a new self service recruitment solution, which enables managers from all business sectors and of all sizes to advertise their job vacancies directly. For a limited period, totaljobs.com is offering one job posting free of charge. Managers should go to www.totaljobs.com/freejobposting

Says Shaun Collins, e-business director at totaljobs: íThis service is tailored to the needs and priorities of this new kind of boss. Time-pressured, and increasingly deadline-conscious, our self-service recruitment allows managers to resolve staffing issues fast and easily, minimising pressure on the team.í

Totaljobs.com is exploring the rise of new managerial styles, and is inviting line managers to take part in a further study, giving them the chance to share and air their views on modern management. Those who make their opinions count by answering our short questionnaire will be entered into a draw to escape from it all and expand their horizons in the process by winning one of our fabulous red letter day prizes (www.redletterdays.co.uk). Applicants should email ebusiness@totaljobsgroup.com.