Permission to leave early

A new employee quickly realized their boss was a control freak—nothing went out without approval.

- FRANCIS J. KONG

One day, they asked, "Can I leave five minutes early?" The boss responded with a detailed questionnaire: Purpose? Impact analysis? Senior approvals? Backup plan?

The employee dutifully completed it, got all the signatures and submitted it. A week later, the boss approved. Too bad it was for last Tuesday.

Have you ever walked into a meeting ready to share your well-thought-out ideas, only to have your boss cut you off before you even finish your first sentence? Or perhaps you've had a leader who fills the room with excitement, constantly throwing out new ideas—so many that you can barely keep up?

Maybe you've worked under a manager who avoids tough conversations, keeping things "calm" but leaving you blindsided by last-minute changes.

Leadership comes in many forms, and understanding your boss's style can be the difference between daily frustration and professional growth.

Every leader has a way of making decisions, giving feedback and motivating people. Some are driven by results, others by relationships.

Some move fast, others tread carefully. The challenge isn't just figuring out which type of leader you have—it's learning how to work with them effectively.

The fast-moving, efficiency-obsessed leader Some leaders believe that efficiency trumps everything else. They move fast, set ambitious goals and expect everyone to keep up. Conversations with them are brief and direct—no unnecessary small talk, no time wasted.