To wonder how to deal with bossy people

[Pinkpillow22]

A work colleague of mine is so bossy. She decides everything and it gets quite rude as some consultation should be expected surely?

Any good strategies?

That 's me! Hiya :)

I normally make decisions because no-one else does. I generally find that if we start talking about stuff the team goes round and round and in the end I decide anyway. I guess they probably would like a bit more consultation but I'd like them to be a bit more decisive!

So are you ready to take on deciding? If so speak to the bossy person and ask to be included on the next decision about X. Then when she includes you tell her what you'd decide. No umming and ahhing and asking her opinion - just decide. Chances are she'll be happy not to have to do it all herself and you can split the decisions equally from there on in. The rest of the ponderers will then think you too are bossy but at least shit gets done!

Ok some of that was a bit tongue in cheek but the bones are correct. I decide because no-one else likes to. I do consult if the path isn't clear to me but often it's a no brainer. Do you feel she has made bad decisions? If so tell her. Say "you bought chocolate cake last week and no-one ate it because they don't like chocolate, next time perhaps you can pop an email round so people can vote on a cake flavor". Just don't be surprised if she tells you to organise the cake yourself next time!

I don't have any words of wisdom but I feel your pain.

There's always one! Bossing everybody around, telling people what to do, where to sit, how to be. Drives mme nuts.

''Tis very common though.

Cath I doubt it is you as I don't think you would be proud of it if so. To be clear here I am not talking about multi million turnover deals. I am talking about whether windows should be open or shut, who should drive and when tasks are commenced. I get:

"We'll start at half one."
"I won't be able to do that sorry - how ablut 2?"
"No I want to start at half one."

Nowwhere thanks :)

I sympathise!

I work with someone similar and it drives me bananas - I don't know what the cure is though!

I would reply to her bossiness something jokey like 'ok miss bossy' or try being very assertive back.