Why I’m bad for middle management

Something I’ve realised about myself in my last few roles is that I’m a problem. I don’t misbehave or bully people, but I can accidentally do something that’s almost as bad for some managers… and that’s being independent.

Managers need that little bit of power over you so they can keep you in line. But I am old enough and confident enough in myself that I don’t feel like my manager has any type of grip on me. A company is a company and it’s not the be-all and end-all of my life. If I lose my job and become homeless and die at least the suffering will be over.

So I can move to the beat of my own drum whilst also getting the job done. This can leave some managers confused and frustrated.

I’m “rogue”.

What does it mean to be independent in the workplace?

Being independent in the workplace means not being mentally chained by the company you work for. You don’t come to work in fear and you know that your bosses don’t have any real power over you.

Yes, they pay your bills but you understand that this isn’t the only job out there and you can get another job if you were to lose this one. Also, make sure that this is actually the case.