The Ultimate Body Language Book

Chapter 14 - Office Body Language
How To Handle The Type Of Bosses: Autocratic,
Democratic And Laissez-Faire
To properly understand your boss you must first classify them. There are three broad categories most
bosses fit into, they are autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire. The fact of the matter, is that we
usually like our bosses (as with all people) when our body language compliments theirs. When we
match, we feel like we naturally connect with them. However, if our styles clash we feel awkward or
uncomfortable and feel like we constantly have to self-monitor. Here is a breakdown of the different
types of bosses and how to handle them.
Chapter 14 - Office Body Language
Autocratic
We can tell if our boss autocratic if they are attached to the status artifacts around them. Their desk will
be used as a barrier protecting them from intruders, they will have cleaver title markings on their desk
or door, and usually have trophies or accolades on their walls. Their dress will be formal and expensive
and their posture will be rigid and straight. Friendliness is the foe of the autocratic boss so he will keep
you at arms length, keep conversations on task and hold expressionless faces. If you get out of line, he
will use his body language to put you back in your place with harsh voice tones and eye contact. Often
autocratic bosses are seen as unloving, unfriendly or inhumane. To get along with him, use body
language that doesn’t undermine his status, allow him to maintain his power, never enter his personal
space or move to his side of the desk without permission, don’t interrupt him, smile pleasantly, and
keep conversations brief so as not to waste his time.
Chapter 14 - Office Body Language
Democratic
The second type of employer is the democratic boss. Democratic bosses are most often female and their
most popular sentiment is to make others feel welcome and comfortable. They will try to build personal
relationships and welcome new ideas and thoughts to the conversation. Their office will have informal
meeting places and the door will ‘always be open’. Other signals of the democratic leader, is her desire
to build rapport, she’ll come to speak with someone instead of writing out orders on paper, she’ll be
encouraging and touch more frequently. To work with this type of boss, mirror their language. Use
open body language when she does, and feel free to chat with her when necessary. Avoid thinking that
she desires and equal relationship though and overstep the employee-employer relationship. Allow her
the control and respect she deserves, and give her the chance to speak first and most often. The rules of
engagement are still the same for all bosses.