Bossy behavior is not necessarily common among Presidents, but it’s far from unheard of. In fact, Thomas Jefferson feared this so much that he helped make the legislative branch, where Congress resides, the most powerful body in the government to balance out the power of a bossy President.
A lack of social skills, coupled with an egocentric view of the world, can result in bossy behavior. In fact, bossiness can be a way of asserting control when your President feels insecure and unappreciated.
When a President is occasionally bossy, well, it can be downright charming. But when it continues — it’s time to do something about it.
Most children tend to outgrow bossiness as a result of socialization, but one could assume that a 70 year-old man has reached peak maturity, and further attempts to socialize will likely not be beneficial. If your President is surrounded by people who won’t temper negative traits, that’s another warning sign that his bossiness may be exceeding acceptable levels.
Methods of managing bossy behavior, rooted in positive discipline, include giving the President some control, boosting his self-esteem, and reinforcing social skills.
However, if these methods prove ineffective, it’s time to gather together and loudly and democratically, via Thomas Jefferson’s legislative branch, insist on better behavior.
*Heavily inspired by What to Expect.