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Just Say No to National Boss's Day
Oct 16
Today is National Boss’s Day in the U.S. I am officially declaring the start of a Just Say No to National Boss’s Day campaign. In fact, I’m declaring that the word “boss” should be tossed out, too. Just stop it. And if you have a Boss’s Day card just move straight to the trash bin. It’ll feel good. Go ahead. Don’t be afraid. Your “boss” won’t know.
Hey, is there a National Oppressed Employee Day? We should get that going.
About the Author
Frank Roche
Frank started IFRACTAL over 7 years ago with Sarah Chambers. Together, they've created HR communications and HR software for some of the world's leading companies. Frank is also studying Flamenco guitar and origami.
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When I was a child and Mothers’ or Fathers’ Day would roll around, I can remember uttering one of those classic kids statements, “That’s not fair” followed by my desire to see a National Children’s Day. My Mother wouldn’t miss a beat in saying, “Every day is children’s day.” Now that I am a mother, I get this.
So, in response to your post, I couldn’t help but thinking, every day is National Oppressed Employee Day. Even those who are bosses, unfortunately, have bosses.
I’m OK. You’re OK. Let’s fix the system.
Michele, that just seems right — every day is National Oppressed Employee Day. LOL. Yep, let’s work on making that day GO AWAY for 365 days a year!
How about a national “Person Who Helped Me Develop Into The Better and More Highly Rewarded and Actualized Worker Than I Was A Year Ago” day.
Not that one should wait for a particular day but I would like to recognize the people who helped me along the way and would hope that anyone I helped would feel the same.
Often, these people were not my direct supervisor. Actually none of my direct “bosses” qualify. That’s what I get for working in professional services my entire career.
Rick, well done. Yes, that’s a good title for a day to celebrate. I’m a fan of telling people right away if they’ve been great…and then I tell them Happy Birthday on their b-day. That works. All the rest is fluff.
I completely agree that the whole “Boss’s” Day is just a holiday celebrations gone wild. I posted similar views earlier today. Let’s just all pledge to just be kind to each other 24/7, ok?
http://www.ctemploymentlawblog.com/2007/10/articles/hr-issues/national-bosss-day-is-this-really-what-the-workplace-needs/
“Nothing so conclusively proves a man’s ability to lead others as what he does from day to day to lead”
Thomas J. Watson
That was inscribed on a card I saw today. Maybe we have something called “National Leaders Day”
JT — you are the “boss” of none and the leader of many. People should follow your example. My take on bosses is those types tell people what to do and hold a threat of jobs over employees’ heads. (Even though “boss” meant something where you and I grew up.) Leaders influence and show the way. I like National Leaders Day. That’s absolutely right. (I’m glad you got a card today…and I wasn’t trying to disparage that part…just the idea that people are “bosses” over others.)
How about National Great Boss’s Day. They’re out there having an impact on productivity and morale. And they don’t get nearly enough respect or support from the companies they work for.
Wally, you’re right. I was being unnecessarily provocative. Great Boss’s Day is tremendous. I am the lucky recipient of great leadership throughout my career and really appreciate those people. My rub with the word “boss” has to do with those who use it oppressively.
Yes, managers get a bad rap because they work within broken systems, and systems drive behavior. We all would be a lot happier at work if the executive leadership level would install a total system model for managerial leadership. What would that look like you ask?? http://www.missionmindedmanagement.com/we-dont-work-for-companies-we-work-for-managers