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The third level (I’ll call it Level C) is a lousy situation for an employee.

It is characterized by large amounts of negative involvement.

This negative involvement can manifest itself in many different ways, for example:

1. Micromanagement. Sometimes an employer wants to “perfect” his employee so much that he gets involved in every last detail of his employee’s job, leaving the employee to feel inhibited and nervous.

An employer can often make this error thinking that only through his constant display of his own wisdom can his company advance.

But it backfires.

The “little people” make up the backbone of the organization, and in order to achieve success they must feel confident and empowered. Ultimately too much oversight will destroy the machine.   

2. Inability to criticize the right way.

The manner in which one criticizes the errors of an employee is critical. It could be the difference between an employee who is constantly growing and improving, and one who feels lower than pond scum (and produces accordingly).

The ability to criticize correctly is an art form most employers unfortunately lack, and therefore his efforts which he think are for the greater good, are actually setting everyone backwards.

And worse: When it backfires, the employer usually throws his metaphorical knife at the employee’s “inability to accept constructive criticism”, rarely looking at how his criticism is being dished out.

3. My employee is my servant.

Yet another approach to employer oversight involves, as disturbing as it might sound, a situation that feels more like a slave/slave holder relationship than that of an employee/employer relationship.

Some people honestly believe that their giving you money allows them to treat you however they feel, and dominate your every minute thanklessly.

No one in the world holds such power over you.

And it will ultimately crush an organization.

* * *

If you have a Level C employer, my advice: Figure a way to get out, and get out immediately. Is it better than not having a job? Well, probably. Especially in our economic climate. But if there’s a way out, take it.

The good news: Like the amazing feeling of taking off uncomfortable shoes that you have been wearing an entire day, ALL employers will seem fantastic from this time forward.

* * *

Level B: Minimal or no involvement, positive or negative.

Sometimes you’re in a sitaution where it doesn’t even feel like your employer knows you exist.

Believe me, it often feels great, and it’s worlds better than a Level C employer.

And, in fact, in my humble opinion there are certain situations where this is exactly the right thing for an employer to do.

In a position I used to have, a had this fantastic boss who entrusted us with our classes, and barely ever got involved.

Why?

Probably because he recognized the reality of the circumstance.

It was a supplementary job, approximately four hours a week, with lots of weeks off. No one treated their job as if it were the center of their lives, and really should not have been expected to.

He trusted us, he was there when we called upon him, and otherwise he was hands off. That was his role.

But do not get me wrong. If your main employer behaves this way with you, there are most certainly advantages, but they could easily be outweighed by some of these potential disadvantages:

1. No feedback equals not really knowing whether or not you are succeeding. I am assuming that most people wish to taste success in their field, but as each week passes without knowledge of how you are doing, it’s all left up to your imagination. This could be very unnverving.

2. No growth. Ideally an employer can do what you do better than you, and could and should be your guide for personal and professional development. Once again, as time goes by and you’re unaware of whether or not you are the same employee now as you were two years ago, this can be painful and frustrating.

3. The worst case scenario in all of this is when the boss’s first interraction with you in several months is to tell you that you are not succeeding, you have not grown since arrival at the organization, and your termination is inevitable and imminent.

Do you see why this might be bad?

* * *

Level A: Involved the right amount, the right way.

To get a taste of an employer like this is truly a rare and wonderful blessing.

The best employer:

a. Knows when to get involved, and when to trust his employee’s decisions and abilities.

b. Offers criticism that helps the employee grow.

c. Knows how to phrase his criticism so his employee understands that the goal is not to condemn him, but to help him improve.

d. Offers abundant, sincere praise.

Everyone should be blessed to have only these kinds of bosses, and when the time comes, to be this kind of boss.  

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