Read an Excerpt
Aries
BIRTHDAY MARCH 21-APRIL 20
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, representing cardinal fire and symbolizing the pure and highly intuitive energies of the sign. Since Mars is their ruling planet, Aries individuals tend to be forceful, aggressive, and insistent on getting their way and winning. Although often childlike and open, they can also be hard to reach emotionally and find it difficult to express their complex feelings. They dislike being analyzed and take the attitude “what you see is what you get” with regard to themselves.
The Aries Boss
Aries bosses are born leaders, so there will be little doubt as to their wishes concerning the direction the group should take. Explicit, clear, and demanding, these fiery individuals will ask for every ounce of commitment and energy their employees can muster, and then some. Because they are so comfortable in this role, they are eager to make decisions and see them implemented. True individuals, they naturally respect individuality in others and are surprisingly open to and even expectant of their employees acting on their own, once they understand what is expected of them.
Asking the Aries Boss for a Raise
Aries bosses will probably already have anticipated you in this regard. Most likely they will offer you a raise (if you deserve it) on their own without your even asking. However, this also implies that if you need to ask for a raise you will probably be turned down. Aries bosses enjoy being magnanimous, but only if it is warranted. They are particularly impressed by the dramatic deal you may have pulled off, one that gives new spark and direction to the group. Less impressed by steady or plodding behavior, they may overlook the faithful employee who has served without attracting notice.
Breaking Bad News to the Aries Boss
Make sure you wear your crash helmet. Aries bosses are likely to fly off the handle (don’t rule out yelling, screaming, or throwing nearby objects) after an initial ominous silence. A deepening red complexion may be the second warning sign. Seismic outbursts are likely to last a few minutes but are usually gone, like summer storms, rather quickly. One alternative is simply to hand the Aries boss the disturbing report in writing and then make a quick retreat.
Arranging Travel and/or Entertainment for the Aries Boss
Aries bosses are very pleased when you arrange things exactly as they would have themselves and much less than pleased when you do not. Thus, getting to know their special desires and wishes is essential to your success. Since organization is not usually their strong suit, they may depend on you entirely to have things perfectly worked out. Keep in mind that they love the grand gesture and will spare no expense to make themselves look good. Particularly observant of that little touch that indicates your sensitivity to their preferences, Aries bosses would look favorably upon those who go the extra mile, so you would do well to alert the restaurant, hotel, or travel agent of your boss’s preferences beforehand.
Decision-Making and the Aries Boss
Aries bosses naturally make all important decisions themselves, and usually without asking for your advice. That said, they like you to be decisive when it comes to your own decision-making—just hold your breath when they are faced with what you have done. Constantly in the act of making decisions and giving orders, Aries bosses will not tolerate insubordination or misunderstanding. Nor do they change their minds often. As a result, when faced with difficulties or failures, they are likely to pin the blame on you, pointing to what they perceive as your flexibility or weakness. Better to courageously implement their doctrines and gently remind them of their original orders when the going gets rough.
Impressing and/or Motivating the Aries Boss
The first step is getting your Aries boss’s attention. This will be best accomplished not by periodic gentle memos but by a terse, well-thought-out plan that can quickly penetrate the Aries armor. This should be delivered when the two of you are alone, since taking the chance of embarrassing your Aries boss in front of coworkers is not advised. Do not try to butter up Aries bosses or deliver your spiel in a roundabout or subtle fashion; this will only make them more impatient. Once you have hurled your thunderbolt, it is best to leave them alone for a while, since they will get back to you when ready.
Making Proposals and/or Giving Presentations to the Aries Boss
With Aries bosses, it’s best to keep it short and sweet. State your points/results at the beginning rather than saving them until the end. Itemize your main points in a list of no more than five items. Do not be afraid to state the problems inherent in your plan and do not minimize the expense and effort involved. Aries bosses are attracted by challenge, and it is often the improbable or even impossible that rouses their fighting energies. Make sure that plenty of room is left for their personal involvement, without which the proposal could not succeed. Since their irritation factor is often high, try to dress in muted or neutral colors and styles.
