How to deal with boss babies

"When Emma wants something, she doesn't want it in two weeks or in two days. She wants it yesterday."

Sounds like something you would say about a 2-year-old who wants an ice cream, right?

But he wasn't talking about a 2-year-old. He was talking about his boss who wanted him to execute her latest idea.

Right now.

The only problem was that he was busy executing her previous idea. And the ideas she had before she had her previous idea.

So, what should he do?

I can identify with both the boss and the middle manager I was talking to, but it's when I identify with the 2-year-old that I realize what is needed.

When my 2-year-old self wants an ice cream, you only have two options: Either you give me the ice cream as quickly as possible, or you distract me.

You get nowhere by explaining to me that the ice cream will ruin my appetite or that we are in a hurry to get home.

I don't care.

All I care about is getting what I want.

And right now I want ice cream.

However, the beauty of 'right now' is that it is constantly changing. A minute ago, I didn't think of ice cream, and if you have an attractive distraction at hand I won't be thinking about ice cream a minute from now either.

So, what am I saying?

That if you have a boss or a customer who behaves like a 2-year-old, make sure to always have your pockets full of goodies 🍭 🧸 🧃 🥇

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P.s. When I'm being a 2-year-old boss baby, I'm easily distracted by good news about one of my previous ideas 📈 - What are your recommendations for snacks to put in the pocket? Please share your tips and tricks on LinkedIn.