The Busy Boss Tactic: How Some Managers Use Distance to Dodge Complaints

[CareerCynic]

Hey everyone,

Navigating office politics is no easy task, especially when you’re dealing with bosses who have mastered Machiavellian tactics to maintain their power and avoid accountability. One of the more frustrating strategies I’ve encountered is what I like to call the "Busy Boss Tactic." This is where a boss deliberately makes themselves appear constantly busy, distant, and difficult to reach. The goal? To avoid dealing with complaints, concerns, or any issues that might require their attention. Let’s dive into how this tactic works and why it’s more than just a busy schedule—it’s a deliberate strategy to maintain control.

1. The Appearance of Constant Busyness

One of the key elements of the Busy Boss Tactic is the appearance of constant busyness. These bosses are always in meetings, on calls, or “tied up” with something crucial. Whether or not they’re genuinely busy is beside the point; what matters is that they project an image of someone who is so swamped with important tasks that they simply don’t have time for anything else—especially your complaints.

By doing this, they create an environment where employees feel like they’re interrupting or bothering the boss with their issues, no matter how legitimate those issues might be. It’s a subtle way of discouraging communication and keeping problems at bay.

2. Maintaining Distance

Another key component of this tactic is maintaining a physical or emotional distance from employees. The boss might keep their office door closed, avoid casual interactions, or only communicate through intermediaries like assistants or middle managers. This distance makes it challenging for employees to approach them directly, further discouraging complaints or conversations that might disrupt their day.

By keeping a distance, the boss ensures that they remain unapproachable, which in turn makes employees feel powerless or hesitant to raise concerns. This tactic also creates a hierarchy where the boss is seen as unassailable, reinforcing their authority and control over the workplace.

3. Dodging Accountability

The ultimate goal of the Busy Boss Tactic is to dodge accountability. By making themselves hard to reach and constantly busy, these bosses avoid having to address complaints, solve problems, or engage in any kind of conflict resolution. When an employee does manage to get their attention, the boss can easily brush them off with a “Sorry, I’m just too swamped right now. We’ll have to talk about this later”—which, of course, rarely happens.

This avoidance strategy allows the boss to sidestep their responsibilities, leaving issues unresolved and employees frustrated. It’s a way of keeping the status quo intact while avoiding any real effort to improve the work environment or address legitimate concerns.

4. How to Deal with a Busy Boss

So, what can you do if you find yourself dealing with a boss who uses this tactic? If by now you are almost 100% sure he is intentionally dodging you and your colleagues here are a few strategies:

1. Document Everything: If you can’t get a direct response from your boss, document your attempts to communicate. Emails, meeting requests, and notes on when you tried to approach them can be useful if you need to escalate the issue later.

2. Use Written Communication: If face-to-face conversations are impossible, try to communicate your concerns in writing. This way, your boss can’t claim they were unaware of the issues, and you have a paper trail to back you up.

3. Go Through Proper Channels: If your boss is consistently unavailable, consider going through other channels, such as HR or a higher-up. Make sure you follow the proper procedures to avoid potential backlash.

4. Be Persistent: Don’t be discouraged by initial brush-offs. Keep trying to get your concerns addressed, and don’t let your boss’s busy appearance deter you from seeking the help or answers you need.

5. Build Alliances: If you’re struggling to get your boss’s attention, talk to your colleagues. If multiple people are experiencing the same issue, there’s strength in numbers. A collective approach might be more effective in getting the boss to pay attention.

6. Know When to Quit: If you’ve tried all the other strategies and still find yourself in a toxic environment where your concerns are ignored and everyone is out to backstab their way up the corporate ladder, it might be time to consider moving on. Sometimes the best decision you can make for your mental and professional well-being is to find a company that values open communication and doesn’t play these manipulative games.

Conclusion

The Busy Boss Tactic is a classic example of how some managers use office politics to maintain control and avoid dealing with the realities of their position. By appearing constantly busy and keeping a distance from employees, these bosses dodge accountability and keep complaints at arm’s length. Understanding this tactic is the first step in navigating it effectively.

Have you encountered a boss who uses the Busy Boss Tactic? How did you handle it? Let’s discuss strategies for dealing with this and other office politics challenges.

Best,
CareerCynic your harbinger of machiavellian tactics employed by bad managers and business owners