Two Chicks On Books: Blog Tour- HAVE YOU EVER HAD A BOSS THAT... by Eric Charran & @PRbytheBook

Thanks for stopping by my stop on the HAVE YOU EVER HAD A BOSS THAT… by Eric Charran Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours!

About The Book:

Title: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A BOSS THAT…: Succeeding in a Dysfunctional Workplace

Author: Eric Charran

Pub. Date: March 13, 2025

Publisher: Business Expert Press

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 232

Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/Have-You-Ever-Had-a-Boss-That

Have You Ever Had a Boss That…?

Succeeding in a Dysfunctional Workplace

Eric Charran, a veteran technology executive with over 25 years of leadership experience at some of the world’s largest organizations—including 18 years at Microsoft—has worked under every kind of boss imaginable. From transformational leaders to those who thrive in chaos, he has seen firsthand how leadership dynamics shape workplace culture, employee engagement, and career progression.

In Have You Ever Had a Boss That…?, Charran offers a compelling, research-backed guide for professionals at all career stages, from early-career employees to senior executives, providing actionable strategies to not just survive—but excel in dysfunctional workplaces.

Through real-world case studies, psychological insights, and practical frameworks, Charran introduces nine distinct boss archetypes, each representing a different form of unhelpful or toxic leadership. From The Firefighter, who creates emergencies just to put them out, to The Attack Sub, who operates in secrecy to undermine colleagues, these archetypes explain why so many professionals struggle with ineffective managers—and how to turn these challenges into career-building opportunities.

Workplace dysfunction can drain productivity, stall careers, and create daily stress, but professionals who understand leadership behaviors and adapt strategically can navigate even the most challenging environments. Drawing from his extensive experience leading high-impact teams, Charran reveals how to “manage up,” influence from any position, and take control of your career path—even when working for a difficult boss.

This book is an essential resource for anyone who has ever felt stuck in a frustrating workplace, struggled under poor leadership, or wondered how to turn dysfunction into success.

You may not be able to choose your boss, but you can choose how to thrive, grow, and take control of your success—no matter the workplace challenges you face.

Excerpt:

Introduction

Stepping into the vibrant and fast-paced world of my early career, I was immediately struck by the influence and aura of leaders across various sectors, not just in IT and technology. Managers, with their diverse titles and roles, universally symbolized a wealth of experience and success. They seemed to naturally embody the qualifications necessary for steering not just projects but the careers of those they led. Regardless of industry—be it health care, finance, or technology—these figures represented the pinnacle of professional achievement.

As a young professional, my interactions with these leaders were colored by both respect and ambition. I often found myself pondering, “What paths did they take to reach these heights? What decisions propelled them into these roles of influence? And crucially, what steps could I take to emulate their success?” these weren’t just passing curiosities, but intense questions driven by a desire to navigate my own career trajectory effectively.

In each meeting, email exchange, or project review, I saw these leaders not just as supervisors but as gateways to potential opportunities for advancement—promotions, skill enhancements, and pivotal assignments. This is a common sentiment, one likely shared by many of you, who recognize the crucial role these leaders play in our professional lives. Yet, as I progressed and took on more responsibilities, the initial sheen of infallibility that I attributed to my managers began to tarnish. I encountered decisions that baffled me, strategies that seemed short-sighted, and leadership styles that varied wildly from one person to another.

This book dives deep into the heart of these interactions, offering more than just a reflection on varied managerial styles. It aims to arm you with strategies to effectively engage with and adapt to these styles, enhancing your ability to work under any type of leadership. Through relatable anecdotes and actionable advice, the goal is to transform your understanding of these dynamics from potential sources of workplace stress to opportunities for profound personal growth and career advancement.

Understanding that these challenges are not indicative of “bad bosses” but rather complex behaviors that can be navigated and mastered, this book does not criticize but enlightens. It seeks to equip you with the knowledge to recognize, understand, and optimize your interactions with all types of managers. By doing so, you will be empowered to not only survive but also thrive in today’s ever-evolving professional environments, making each managerial relationship a steppingstone to greater success.

So, whether you’re just starting out or are well into your career journey, this book endeavors to be an invaluable companion, providing insights that will help you navigate the complexities of working with diverse leadership styles. Here, you’ll learn not just to cope, but to excel, turning everyday challenges into your most rewarding opportunities.

What to Expect

Throughout this book, we meticulously categorize key managerial behaviors into distinctive archetypes, providing you with a structured lens to navigate the complexities of various—and often challenging—managerial styles. This approach will enable you to identify specific traits and behaviors in your leaders, fostering a deeper understanding of actions that may initially appear perplexing or frustrating. As you explore each chapter, you may recognize these behaviors from your own professional encounters. Every archetype, from the enigmatic the Surprised to the reactive LIFO manager, comes to life through vivid descriptions and real-world examples, presented in a clear narrative style. This exploration helps you not only recognize different behaviors but also understand the underlying motivations—whether it’s due to your boss being overstretched, wrestling with skill deficits, or dealing with gaps in professional maturity. For each archetype discussed, we delve deep into the reasons and causes behind the behaviors exhibited. This insight is crucial for developing emotional intelligence and empathy, allowing you to employ effective strategic coping techniques. By understanding the “why” behind the behaviors, you enhance your ability to manage interactions and even assist in the development of your manager, potentially mitigating problematic behaviors. This analytical approach bridges the gap between merely identifying managerial archetypes and understanding their practical implications on team dynamics, morale, productivity, and success. We conclude each archetype discussion with a comprehensive tool kit of strategies, enriched by “Putting it Into Practice” sections. These segments, filled with narrative-driven conversational examples, demonstrate how to implement these strategies amidst anticipated resistance to change. Whether you’re learning to preempt the needs of “the Amnesiac Manager,” inspiring a “Firefighter Manager” to adopt a more strategic approach or navigating the complexities of the “Order Taker” manager, these strategies are designed to provide immediate value and empower you to take charge of your professional interactions. By the end of the book, you’ll not only have a thorough understanding of various managerial archetypes but also practical tools at your disposal. This book sets the stage for a journey of personal and professional growth, preparing you to meet and manage the challenges posed by diverse leadership styles with confidence and expertise.

Strap in and get your highlighters ready—we’re about to turn insights into actionable breakthroughs in this adventurous deep dive into the world of managerial quirks and how to handle them like a pro.

About Eric Charran:

Eric Charran is a visionary technology executive, author, and thought leader with over 25 years of experience in transforming global enterprises through digital innovation, data-driven strategy, and AI-driven solutions. Known for his ability to bridge the gap between business objectives and complex technology, Eric has spearheaded transformative initiatives at major organizations, including Microsoft and Capital One, where he served as Chief Architect, bringing substantial advances in cloud resilience, digital transformation, and data infrastructure efficiency. His strategic insights and leadership have driven high-impact changes across sectors, optimizing performance and fostering resilience in industries from finance to healthcare.

In Have You Ever Had a Boss That…, Charran draws on his extensive leadership experience and his understanding of corporate dynamics to offer readers a guide to navigating workplace challenges, enhancing personal effectiveness, and fostering a balanced, fulfilling career. With insights that resonate across industries, he empowers readers to become more effective leaders and team players. With a career shaped by a commitment to measurable impact and a player-coach leadership style, Charran is a sought-after speaker and advisor on topics of leadership, digital innovation, and organizational change. His work continues to influence leaders and organizations seeking sustainable, innovative solutions in a rapidly evolving world.

Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

Tour Participants: