yes, bosses leave an imprint on us. i have worked under a few - but i prefer working under the tough ones and the ones who have been knowledgeable. part of the job process is we got to observe and imbibe what we learn from our colleagues - mainly our boss. good bosses become our role models and we try to imitate them (the best form of appreciation, some would say).
weak bosses take us nowhere and they wouldn't think even once before betraying or dumping us. too much or too little of appreciation is not right. just rewarding an excellent work done or trying to motivate us when we have not done the job properly - that's where bosses come in.
the problem with the Indian set up is that even in our educational setup, good work is not appreciated. once in a blue moon we get a good teacher who is appreciative of a lesson well done and this teacher leaves a lasting impression on us.
good bosses should be treasured and remembered, long after they have left us.
very good post!!! keep it up!!!
ramesh