Fun & Famous

5 things we can learn from male managers

A week or so ago, I wrote (just read) about what one can learn from female managers. Because we approach things just a bit differently than our broad-shouldered friends. That doesn't mean they don't have their advantages because indeed, we can learn a lot from men as well.

1. Straight to the point

“If you wipe your ass with my rules, I wipe my ass with your contract.” My father to a rebellious sailor. Okay, maybe a bit blunt, but hey, he was at sea with a bunch of pretty wild types. That calls for clear rules and straightforward language. I would say (My father is otherwise a really nice man from whom you can learn a lot): “I know you’re homesick and didn’t eat well yesterday, but I would really appreciate it if…”. Doesn’t work. Hatsekiedee and straight to the point. Everyone knows where they stand.

2. Judging on performance

Men look at what’s left at the bottom line. Did you do your job well? Did you make a profit? Achieved the highest ratings? Great. Women often look at the journey to get there. Someone worked hard, had difficulties, but given all the circumstances, it went pretty well. That six is actually an eight. A man would never do that. You’re at work, so you’re judged on your performance. If you’re unable to work, he’d like to hear that.

3. Not too close

I don’t know about you, but I always want to love my colleagues. It makes working a lot more enjoyable but also less pure. Because it’s harder to confront someone about something when you know they’re having a fight with their boyfriend / have to care for their sick sister / have serious money problems / are extremely on their period. A male boss doesn’t have any of that trouble. And he doesn’t mind if you’ve unfollowed him on Instagram. He probably doesn’t even have Instagram.

4. You just step it up a notch

I asked Jet about the advantages of a male boss and she immediately said: “Well, you do put in extra effort for such a handsome guy.” Now, I never said this was about handsome male managers, but maybe it works in the man-woman dynamic that you want to do your best for the other kind. All feminists hate me now, but I think it works that way.

5. He won’t hold anything against you

I’ve worked with a few men and it could get pretty stormy in that office. There I was among the candles and a tiered stand with blueberry muffins, suddenly there was a loud bang on the table and with a strong decibel level, he explained what was wrong. Everyone was trembling behind their desks, he walked out of the office and said: “Alright. Let’s shake things up here.” And he was done with it.

Men, sometimes they are so easy.