Every organization has one: the queenpin who rules the roost with an iron, if manicured, hand. You might say she is the boss bitch because that more accurately describes the type.

Often she is the "administrative assistant" to the head guy. She puts up with no crap. She has her little coterie of friends who are her favorites. If she likes you, you're "in like Flynn." Whatever you want, she'll see that you get it.

But if you get on her bad side, watch out. She is a terror when ticked off and she never forgets. She can be mean as a snake. Her get-evens can be manipulative, devious, and downright out-the-door final.

Boss bitches exist in all kinds of organizations, public and private. Many of the true bosses put up with them because they think they need them, that they "get things done," that they're indispensable. Sometimes it is a take on the good cop/bad cop gimmick. The boss uses the boss bitch to take care of unpleasant tasks he'd rather avoid. He knows she loves it.

If you find yourself working in an environment run by a queenpin such as this, you have a choice to make. Either you ingratiate yourself and reap the daily benefit, or you assert your independence and suffer the consequences. It simply depends upon how much you want to remain working there. More often than not, she will win out, and she will be working there long after you're gone.

Boss bitches can have interesting, if assertive, personalities. Keep in mind that, if she likes you, your work life can be a lot easier. She takes care of her friends and mauls her enemies, and her "enemies" are all of her non-friends. There is no neutral territory with these women. It is black or white, with me or against me. It is HER company. She perceives herself as the ultimate loyalist, a "company gal." In many respects, she truly is. She wants the organization to succeed, one of the reasons why she broaches no sloth or poor work ethic. If you're a slackard or not good at the job, she will run you off one way or another.

So beware the Boss Bitch and either become part of her solution or part of her problem. Those are your choices and your tenure will depend upon which alternative you elect.

Comments:

I don't have to deal with that anymore. Will you forgive me if I say it seems to describe Hilary?

comment by elderjane on Apr 24, 2008 6:23 AM ()

Yes, elder Jane, it sure does seem to apply to that dame... and I disagree with Steve... that sort of style makes for bad government, not good. The only hop for humanity is to aim for consensus; any other path leads to war.

reply by clovis on Apr 24, 2008 6:38 PM ()

...and that's exactly why she might make a good President. A tough company gal.

reply by looserobes on Apr 24, 2008 7:39 AM ()

Steve! I am shocked. Surely you are opening yourself to litigation? such a sexist rave is unbecoming and probably illegal.... quick, find yourself a good lawyer... don't you know the truth is no defence? We had one of these who delighted in snapping at vulnerable young people in the staff room. one day a new fellow looked her straight in the eye and said loudly and with more than a hint of warning; "I don't like your tone of voice." She looked around, received no support, apologised, and was never the same again.Just not bitchy enough, I guess.

comment by clovis on Apr 23, 2008 11:02 PM ()

A true Boss ##### would have eaten his lunch.

reply by looserobes on Apr 24, 2008 7:37 AM ()

Blue Q puts out a line of products called, "Boss Lady"... and the logo is a cowgirl lassoing the air. Being a package designer, I appreciate the fine print, which usually has gobs of amusing but unnecessary anecdotes.

Sounds familiar

comment by strider333 on Apr 23, 2008 7:34 PM ()

I think all of us have had to deal with a queenpin at one time or another in our careers.

reply by looserobes on Apr 23, 2008 7:55 PM ()

There is a queenpin in my family. It's The M-I-L!

comment by nittineedles on Apr 23, 2008 6:26 PM ()

I was fortunate...my MIL was great. It was FIL that caused me problems.

reply by looserobes on Apr 23, 2008 7:04 PM ()

sounds like some of my sisters here.Queenbitch.I liked that
never thought of that one.We have a lot of queen around here.

comment by fredo on Apr 23, 2008 4:24 PM ()

I thought there was only supposed to be one queen per hive.

reply by looserobes on Apr 23, 2008 7:07 PM ()