Okay, so you know how sometimes work feels like dodging bullets? Bob Sutton wrote this cool piece, “Managing Yourself: The Boss as Human Shield,” that totally nails how awesome it is when your boss is like, your personal bodyguard against all that office craziness. And of course the illustration by Robert Ferraro summarises it so well!
Basically, Sutton says the best leaders aren’t just telling you what to do. They’re the ones out there taking the hits for the team, so you can actually, you know, do the work. Think of them as the human shield – sounds intense, right? But it’s really about them making sure all the BS doesn’t rain down on you and your crew.
So, what does this “human shield” boss actually do? Sutton breaks it down:
- They’re the Noise Canceler: All that random stuff flying around – pointless meetings, confusing emails, last-minute “urgent” things that aren’t really urgent? This boss tries to soak it up so it doesn’t drown you. They’re like, “Nah, team doesn’t need to worry about that.”
- They Pick the Fights: Not every little thing is worth stressing over. This leader knows what’s important to push back on – like crazy deadlines or dumb rules that make your job harder. They’re the ones saying, “Hold up, this isn’t right for the team.”
- They’ve Got Your Back When Things Go South: Mess-ups happen, right? Instead of pointing fingers, this boss is more about figuring out what went wrong and how to learn from it. They create a safe space where you don’t feel like you’re gonna get thrown under the bus for every little oops.
- They Trust You to Do Your Thing: Being a shield doesn’t mean breathing down your neck. It’s the opposite! By keeping the distractions away, they give you the room to actually own your work, grow, and be good at what you do. They’re like, “You got this, I’ll handle the outside noise.”
- They Make It Okay to Speak Up: When you know your boss has your back, you’re way more likely to share ideas or say when something isn’t working. That kind of safe vibe leads to way better stuff happening.
Honestly, it makes so much sense. When you’re not constantly fighting off all the extra junk, you can actually focus on the stuff that matters. Sutton’s article is a good reminder that being a leader isn’t about being the loudest or the one calling all the shots. Sometimes, it’s about being the quiet force that protects and empowers everyone else to shine.
So, next time you think about what makes a good boss, maybe think about the “human shield.” It’s a pretty cool way to look at leading – putting your people first so they can do their best. And who wouldn’t want a boss like that?
Kenrick Vaz 