This week The Brain Bath?! searches for Britain's worst 'boss idol'. How do you become an inspirational leader like David Brent? What makes a good 'bad boss'? How do you make an employee cringe when you speak? Does it come naturally or can you learn how to be the worst 'boss idol'? Is it essential to have a catchphrase to become such a figurehead?

Believe it or not, Pop guru and X Factor judge Simon Cowell, best known for his caustic wit and cruel appraisals of would-be pop stars, has been voted in as the perfect boss. 50% of Brits rated him the ideal manager in a poll undertaken by Trust Medical.

Former Glasgow Rangers player and chef Gordon Ramsey came a close second, followed by comedian Peter Kay, fictional boss David Brent and the ‘I’m a celebrity’ winner Joe Pasquale.

The Brain Bath?! team was alarmed by the results of this survey so have put together a top ten worst boss idols list.

Top ten worst Boss Idols
1.Mr Burns (The Simpsons)
Catchphrase: "Excellent..."
Springfield's richest man built his atomic energy fortune from the ground up. A very powerful evil man.

2.Ebenezer Scrooge (Christmas Carol - Dickens Novel)
Catchphrase:"Bah Humbug..." Tightfisted boss who didn't enter the spirit of Christmas!

3.David Brent (The Office - TV Comedy)
Catchphrase: (where do you start there are so many) "AKA"; "vis a vis". Brent sees himself as a friend as well as a boss, although his colleagues wouldn't necessarily agree!

4.Alan Partridge (TV Comedy)
Catchphrase: "Knowing me knowing you A HA" and "Smell my cheese you mother". His assistant Lynn gets paid a fantastic salary and is very well respected by Alan - NOT!

5.Mike Baldwin (Coronation Street - TV Soap)
Without catchphrase but usually utters the following phrase frequently "You're sacked!..."

6.Mr Brittass (The Brittass empire - TV Comedy)
No catchphrase but annoys the staff just the same with his endless fire drills, useless rules, regulations and disastrous problem "solving".

7.Basil Fawlty (Fawlty Towers - TV Comedy)
Catchphrase: "Don't mention the war." Manic control freak boss.

8.Ian Beale (Eastenders - TV Soap)
Catchphrase: not sure he has one but frequently utters the word "tough" when staff ask for something, although we think he is mellowing in his old age.

9. Captain Mannering - (Dad's Army - TV Comedy)
Catchphrase: "Stupid boy." Pompous man who suffered from delusions of grandeur. These delusions regularly led to his downfall!

10.Gus Hedges (Drop the Dead Donkey - TV Comedy)
Catchphrase: where do you start? The man is dripping with management speak and buzz words. What an inspiration.

Post a comment below this article and tell us about your boss (don't use real names for legal reasons). Who do you think is Britain's worst 'boss idol'? Do they appear on our list? Are there any female 'boss idols'? Share your thoughts with the community.

Alternative sources of boss madness