'Pyro' bosses need control

Managers who habitually panic over small problems can significantly reduce workplace productivity, according to a Fortune Small Business article on 'workplace pyromaniacs'.

The term workplace pyromaniac is used to describe bosses who waste time and resources by spending too much time on issues that seem urgent but are really not that important.

It turns out technology is partly to blame. Many pyromaniac managers do more damage than good by blasting off impulsive emails to staff without thinking about the consequences of their demands. 

Behaviour experts say pyromaniac managers can help themselves by taking control of their impulses. This might include setting daily limits for emails or avoiding mobile devices outside of work hours.