Employers that can't offer top pay and fringe benefits may find that loyalty is the tie that binds their small companies. In small businesses, where the CEO is always underfoot, his or her bad mood can ruin everyone's day. Ask people about their best boss and nine times out of 10 they'll start by telling you about the worst. The various horror stories have similar themes. Under the crusty exterior of every bad boss there lurks a cesspool of insecurity, distrust and ignorance.
Some people are just plain mean-spirited.
Unfortunately, because they are ambitious and aggressive as well, they often end up being some poor slob's boss. If, in defiance of every known law of commerce, you aspire to be one of these tyrannical, ill-humored, devious dictators, it's actually pretty easy. Never trust anybody, especially your employees. Pay surprise visits when people call in sick. Make sure they're really home.