"Boss"...."bossy". Funny. I haven't had many "bossy" bosses, have you? I have had supervisors who were guiding me and training me and reviewing my work and very helpful to me but "bossy"? Not so much. Wonder how boss turned into bossy? What do you think?

Pure speculation: "bossy" was an accurate adjective form of "boss" early on when "boss" referred to the head honcho of a group of slaves or other laborers conscripted into service. They had to rule with an iron fist or they'd loose their workforce.

I try not to be bossy, but when I realize that I am, I notice that it's because I'm stressed and under pressure. I have to sit back and remember that I am more effective with my staff when I am not bossy. It's hard not to be bossy when things demand your attention and you are feeling overwhelmed. It happens to all of us. But bosses have to report to someone too. And we usually catch more hell because more is usually expected of us. Be patient, be helpful, be understanding of your bossy boss. When the waters calm, I always appreciate being told I was an ass. I usually sit back and realize that I could have handled something or someone differently or better.

I try not to be a "bossy" boss. I will work with anyone who really wants to do the job. Sometimes, though, there are those who will push you to the limit. I have little patience with those people. There are too many out there who would like to have their job...and do their best at it. I am a "nice boss", I think. But I have fired people for assuming I was "too nice" and would not fire them.