One of my good buddies and business colleagues in The Netherlands used to constantly ask his team…
Wie is de Baas? (Who’s the Boss?)
To which they used to reply “Ik Ben de Baas!” (I am the Boss!) This was the only acceptable answer.
He would do this for many reasons but the most important reason was to consistently remind his team that they were in control. They decided their actions, their responses, their work rate, their breaks, their productivity, their sales, and consequently their future.
One of the best parts of my day was when I would see him approach a new recruit who hadn’t yet been asked this direct question. To give a bit of context, my workmate was 6 foot one and 195 lbs of pure muscle. He was an ex-British Commando and always kept himself in top shape. Needless to say, he had a good understanding of how to intimidate if need be and he actually was ‘The Boss”, so you can get the picture.
The first time we get asked this question in any work environment the last response we ever imagine giving is “I’m the boss!” But this was the answer he would keep drilling for until he got it.
It was a wonderful thing to witness. He would completely change people’s moods and shift them into positive energy and ready-for-action action mode. And of course, after your first encounter with The Boss, you would always remember to stand up straight, look him in the eye, and proudly state “I AM THE BOSS!”
So, in keeping with this topic, I ask you, Who’s the boss? I get that we all have to and should answer to family, friends, colleagues, clients, customers, and sometimes real bosses but your powerful starting point and your positive energy should always lie with you.
In addition, you should trust that you are and always will be your own best boss. If you don’t currently work for yourself then know that there just might be a time when you decide to go it alone. You might be compelled to test your own metal in the marketplace.
I know you might feel afraid and not yet trust yourself enough to take the plunge. Everyone that has ever gone out on their own to either set up a business or create something new has felt this stifling fear. But they managed to take their first steps in spite of their unwarranted feelings. This is a natural phase and the more you manage to push through these feelings and continue on your forward path the easier it all gets.
Of course, it also helps if you have a nice mantra to shout in the mirror every morning. Ask yourself, “Who’s the Boss?”… Responses may vary…
