Bosses from Hell

Jeffrey Pfeffer looks at some bosses from hell...and sort of likes them.

My take: There is no single leadership style that works under all circumstances. Sometimes, being collegial makes sense and then an hour later an autocratic style may be called for. The best bosses have the ability to shift styles.

That said, I see no excuse for being rude and abusive. Aside from the questionable ethics, such behavior is usually counter-productive. Mix in charisma, however, and rudeness can be transformed into part of an act; one that the spell-bound associates know will swiftly pass.

If you're going to be rude, you'd better combine that with charisma and competence. Being rude by itself doesn't cut it.