No more miscommunications, no more friction. Get the inside scoop on your boss's managerial style and learn the best tactics for a successful working relationship

Aries boss profile
Aries managers function well in crisis situations. Their ideal work project would be fighting to save a company that is about to go bankrupt. They would throw themselves completely into their work and demand the same commitment from their colleagues. Once successful, they'd get to reap all the glory. As the company settles back into a calm productivity, they would simply move on to another challenge. They don't like to stay at jobs where there isn't some kind of drama from which they can satisfy their desire for glory and attention.

Their competitive natures also motivate them towards positions of authority where they can feel that they are peerless. They can't deal with red tape and bureaucracy and may treat colleagues contemptuously so are not the best candidates for management positions. They don't have strong intuitive senses and typically get their way not through thoughtful strategy but by forcing their will onto everyone else. When they take over projects, they typically like to change everything so that it carries their personal mark.

A conservative, unchanging corporate environment won't satisfy the Aries manager for very long. They'll need to find an environment that supports their need for change - nothing too peaceful or secure. Sometimes they will even attempt to create friction in a peaceful environment just to satisfy their own needs. If you work with an Aries manager, you will probably either admire them for their strong, flexible natures or dislike them for their troublemaking pride.

Taurus boss profile
Taurean managers take the careful approach towards success - they make progress slowly and steadily. Once they set their sights on a goal, they will not be deterred. They will plod ahead with their work and will make more progress than their impatient, distractible contemporaries. They prefer a practical, direct method, and it takes them a long way. They are motivated by a strong desire for material wealth. They love to accumulate - too much is never enough for them. Enjoying the finer things in life, they crave status symbols.

When it comes to managing the workplace, Taurus managers demand honest, hard-working employees. They try to keep emotions under control and try to reason things out to avoid emotional confrontations. Taurus bosses appear unbelievably patient at times, but once you have worked around them for long enough, you'll realise that they can be stubborn and bull-headed.

Don't press your Taurus boss too hard on a point of contention or you could experience this argumentative and fixed side of them first hand. To impress your Taurus boss, present yourself as industrious and stable and show honest respect. Don't lose your temper if your bright new ideas are rejected, just show you have common sense and can be depended upon for steady, reliable work.

Gemini boss profile
Gemini managers can be frantic, confusing and not easy to predict. They will always have many irons in the fire and not all of their projects are successful. They just have so many ideas and so much nervous energy that it is hard for them to stick with just one thing for long. They are, however, extremely intelligent and quick-witted. They demand the same energy and intelligence from those around them - they can't tolerate dull people lacking wit. They do realise, however, that if they want to get out from under the deluge of humdrum management responsibilities, they will have to keep these types close by. They'll happily delegate uninteresting job responsibilities to subordinates. They don't want to have to fit into the nine to five routine, and they will usually use their power of persuasion to get out having to do so.

Just when you are ready to hold them in disdain for being scatty and avoiding responsibility, they will surprise you with their sharp intelligence and friendliness. They love verbal game playing - before you know it, they've just talked circles around you. Although they appear to be cool and aloof, they often radiate warmth. They are quick to offer sympathy and understanding - usually at a safe distance from true involvement. And they are just as quick to offer anger and impatience. Their moods change with the wind. Employees never have to fear that they are truly disliked, however, because Gemini managers rarely pay enough regard to anyone in particular to develop any real feeling about their true natures.

If you have a Gemini boss you'd like to get on the good side of, be sure to polish up your sparkling repertoire. Telling a few good jokes wouldn't hurt. Make yourself indispensable by helping them get organised and try not to take their sometimes cutting remarks personally - the next day they could be praising you excessively.

Cancer boss profile
Cancerians manage employees like mother hens looking after the roost. If you fit in to the Cancer's team you can depend on support. They tend to nurture and fuss over employees, so much in fact, that workers can begin to feel smothered. If you aren't a part of the family, you'll just have to fend for yourself. You are either with them or against them. Cancer employers expect those in their work family to care about them. When the Cancer managers don't get what they want, they have a tendency to act childishly - defensive and sulky moods are common. Typically, what they want is to be treated the way that they treat others - with protective, considerate fairness.

Cancer managers aren't just about stability, though - they can be dreamers. What sets their dreams apart from others is that theirs are based on a more solid foundation. Success is very important to the Cancer manager, and that's why they are in positions of power in the first place. To quell any fears, they'll need a good career, money, close family, friends and a settled home life.

It is important to understand this motivation if you are trying to get along with your Cancer boss. Don't try to threaten their security or else their shrewd, defensive side will surface. You won't be able to hide your emotions towards your Cancer boss - they can detect your moods and feelings. Keep them on your good side and they will remain sincerely compassionate.

Leo boss profile
Leo managers are exactly where they want to be - in control and in a position of power and respect. They make strong leaders in an organisation, as long as the employees can stand their dictatorship. No matter how good a job everyone else is doing, the Leo manager will be better. Leo employers have to keep their fingers on the pulse of everything and everyone. Sometimes, they snoop into employee's private lives and can't stand it when people try to keep secrets from them.

Managing to be such control freaks and still remaining popular and well loved by colleagues is one of Leo's special talents. They are charming and radiate sunny warmth onto everything and everyone. They'll smile so broadly and give everyone such a warm feeling that employees will hardly mind the sharp military orders, not to mention all that unwanted advice. Leos believe in hard work, and they'll make everyone around them work just as hard, but they also believe in fun.

If you work for a Leo manager, let them take centre stage. Things could get ugly if you try to upstage them - rest assured that once they've got all the praise for a job well done, they will make sure you get your due. Never try to usurp their power. Make sure you are well turned-out as well - Leo managers like good-looking people, as they see their employees as an extension of themselves. Dress fashionably and let them in on your strange family secrets. If you are looking for counsel, they are happy to give it - you can always take it with a pinch of salt.

Virgo boss profile
Virgo's practicality and focus on detail makes for a highly talented manager. They don't mess around with the power struggles and gossip that goes around the office. They focus on not just getting the job done but getting it done seamlessly. Not only do they care about their employees, they are able to balance this concern with the wider picture.

However, Virgo managers are terrible worriers with a tendency to develop stress-related illnesses like ulcers. They often put themselves in positions of responsibility but find the pressure overwhelming. They think they can manage it all and take on more than they can chew, only realising their mistake a little too late - that's when they start getting upset, wondering why no one is helping them.

Virgo managers are completely honest and not capable of deceit - they will let you know exactly how they feel. The ideal work project for a Virgo is setting up a new office. They can organise and motivate a new team and get the order and structure in place. Then they would step aside and let someone else take on the role of 'manager'. They are much happier managing the hands-on part of a project rather than becoming the company figurehead.

If you want to impress your Virgo manager, you should keep your nose to the grindstone and keep the files and office supplies in tip-top order. Don't involve your Virgo boss in gossip and office politics, and when your manager is in one of those 'Why isn't anyone helping me' moods, remind yourself that it will pass just as quickly as it came on.

Libra boss profile
Libra managers care about making things work without having to sacrifice harmony or balance. Concerned with fairness and justice, they will typically give new ideas a calm and even review without being overly critical. Employees may feel like they don't know exactly where they stand with their Libra managers. And the Libra manager's smooth personality doesn't help either. Trying to get beyond the Libra's seemingly placid facade can be challenging. On the surface, they are all charm and grace. Their drive for diplomacy can also give them a saint-like presence. Under the surface, though, they really don't miss a trick. They see every viewpoint from every side. Before acting, you can be sure that they have considered all the angles and are in no danger of embarrassing themselves.

Libra managers are just as careful with office politics. They may end up mediating, but typically they don't like to get involved. They don't choose sides over who is right or wrong. They trust that with communication everything will work itself out. Even though they appear detached, they are always willing to meet colleagues half way to make a situation more productive and organised. You can count on them for honesty and fairness. One of their special talents is bringing people together. They can help unify disparate sides or integrate new employees with ease.

To please your Libra manager, avoid being loud or argumentative. Keep a peaceful presence about you and don't press them to hurry decisions. Co-operation is important for their personal success - they strive to make a pleasant and successful work environment and expect you to do so as well.

Scorpio boss profile
The 'knowing' and fiery energy that Scorpio managers possess can make them powerful and intimidating leaders. Brimming with self-confidence, they can also be very mysterious, making it difficult for others to work out what is really going through their mind. Often Scorpio managers have placid exteriors and appear to have their emotions completely under control. With employees from whom they can gain some knowledge, Scorpio managers can be extremely loyal and protective, if not emotionally close.

And if distant loyalty doesn't appeal to you, you had better reconsider. Get on their wrong side, and that placid exterior is bound to give way to reveal the Scorpio's stinging nature. When Scorpio managers don't like someone, they might treat them as if they don't even exist. When crossed, they will retaliate and hold grudges as long as necessary. You can count on getting your just desserts from a Scorpio manager.

Another way in which their true nature emerges is when they are pushed beyond their limit in a crisis situation. Those well-bottled emotions will spring forth like no tomorrow. There is no point hiding your emotions and motivations from a Scorpio manager. They always know exactly what is going on. You have nothing to worry about, though, provided you are a productive member of the team. They can be sympathetic and understanding and like to know what makes every employee tick. Used wisely by well-balanced Scorpio managers, this knowledge can help them motivate employees and make sure everyone is happy. For a Scorpio manager with a less benevolent bent, the information can also be used for manipulation - they know exactly which buttons to push to make you react.

If you are trying to get on the good side of a Scorpio manager be careful to avoid anything that might be interpreted as secretive or covert - Scorpio managers can be extremely suspicious and paranoid. Make sure you have information to offer them and present it openly and with all your facts and figures in place.

Sagittarius boss profile
Sagittarian managers can be difficult to work out. Overly optimistic, they may have a tendency to expect too much of their colleagues. It is not because they are trying to work people into the ground; it is only that their grand visions get the better of them sometimes. They visualise great results and don't always understand the detail that may need to go into the project.

Employees might find their impractical and occasionally tactless nature a little hard to swallow. When they praise your work, though, it is honest and sincere. But when they criticise, it can be unpleasant, as they tend to speak first and think later. They can also be rather arrogant, boasting and grinning their way through the worst messes. Just when you decide you hate them and are ready to walk out, they'll do something to win you over - probably by demonstrating that youthful exuberance or good-natured generosity. These traits can help employees feel better about their jobs and the company.

With their intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm, they can motivate employees to give their all. When employees do show initiative and independence, they will earn the Sag manager's respect. They are quick to offer counsel - when you are in trouble, you can count on their support. If you put your all into your work, you are bound to win their confidence.

Capricorn boss profile
Capricorns can make strong and successful managers, as management is Capricorn's natural state. They just aren't happy unless they are at the top. Most Goats at the top feel the need for stability and security and so therefore lean heavily on order and authority. They are quick to shoot down new ideas, as well as shut down ambitious colleagues who they sense are moving in on their territory. They don't often offer praise due to their reserved nature, but they are sympathetic listeners. In fact, they will want to listen to everything that is going on. It is important for them to keep their fingers on the pulse of everyone's business in the office.

With their eyes fixed on their goals, Capricorn wants everyone working hard and can sense when people are slacking off. They are quick to give orders to keep everyone from wasting time. They depend on past experiences heavily - resisting deviation from what they have found to be historically true and successful. These truths typically include honesty, hard work and order as paths to success.

If you are trying to relate better to your Capricorn boss, try to understand that beneath that serious and determined exterior is someone who may actually want to relax and enjoy some freedom for once. Unfortunately, if their fears get the better of them, they will go through periods of moodiness when this inner conflict is reaching a peak. This understanding will help you when you feel you cannot tolerate their inflexibility and demanding natures any longer.

Aquarius boss profile
The Aquarius manager doesn't always fit into the nine to five corporate norm. They have unconventional natures and have no desire for power over others. Despite this, they still make successful managers. Their humanitarian nature allows them to strive for equality for everyone in the organisation. They are understanding and sympathetic to staff. They are also intuitive and extremely intelligent, capable of thinking outside the box. Their progressive thinking is on the borderline between genius and insanity. Their personalities may be extremely inconsistent and unique - usually wavering between eccentricity and calm knowing.