10 great things bosses do every single day
You've heard the saying, "People don’t leave bad jobs, but they leave bad bosses." This is a great topic for after-work grumble sessions. But, does the data back it up? It turns out that there is a lot
One study found that 61% of people working under bad bosses are looking for a new job. Only 27% of those who work for good bosses are considering alternative employment. This is a shocking statistic: 66% of people who work for bad bosses claim they have misrepresented the truth at work compared to 19% of those who have good bosses. Bad bosses can bring out the worst in us just as great bosses do
Great bosses can make a difference in our lives. They see more in us than we do, and help us see it as well. They inspire us to dream big and help us realize the amazing things we can do
"A good boss doesn't worry about his career, but the careers of others." H. S. M. Burns
A great boss is something that has tangible benefits beyond being liked. But how can you tell if you're one?
How can you improve if you aren't?
People tend to ignore the innate qualities of intelligence, extraversion, or attractiveness when describing the worst bosses. Instead, they focus on the traits that are entirely under their boss's control such as passion, insight, and honesty. It is possible to study the unique characteristics of great bosses and learn from them
GREAT BOSSES SHARE INFORMATION
Do you remember working for someone who was an information hoarder in the past? Many bosses believe that sharing information reduces their authority and power. The opposite is true. Great bosses understand that sharing information empowers employees and does not dilute their power
GREAT BOSSES PUT A LOT OF THOUGHT AND EFFORT INTO THEIR HIRING PROCESS
Bad bosses don't care if a jerk with great credentials is hired because they are only concerned about how the person performs. Great bosses consider the whole team. They realize that their employees will have to work alongside the new hire every day. Therefore, they seek out someone who will be a complement to the team, not just fill in a skill gap
GREAT BOSSES CELEBRATE AND LOOK FOR WINS
Great bosses are not apathetic to the fact that you do a great job attitude. They find reasons to praise their employees privately and publicly and take the time to celebrate milestones instead of pushing everyone on to the next project. They know that a paycheck does not replace the need to feel valued, appreciated, and appreciated
GREAT BOSSES RESPECT YOUR TIME
Great bosses won't make you feel like your time is less valuable than theirs. They won't make you wait for meetings. Instead of trying to impress, they show up ready to work and get straight to the point. They don't waste your time. They don't deny having fun at work. However, they won't do it at the expense of you, making you more stressed or forcing you to stay late to catch up.
EMPATHY IS THE HALLMARK OF A GREAT BOSS
Bad bosses see their employees only from the perspective of what they reflect on them. They look great if their employees do a good job. If they are not, it is a bad boss. The best bosses see their employees as more than just an extension of themselves. They can see inside the heads of their employees and view things from their perspective. This doesn't mean that they are obedient or willing to help. It does indicate that they are aware of their employees' humanity and treat them accordingly
GREAT BOSSES ARE ACCOUNTABLE
Bad bosses will point fingers at their employees when things go wrong. Without a second thought, they will throw their employees under a bus. Great bosses know that being responsible for their team's performance is a big part of what they do. This is a natural part of being a manager. They don't blame the team, but they do give feedback to the team. They see the team's failures as a failure in leadership and act fast to fix them
A GREAT BOSS WILL SAY THANK YOU
Bad bosses believe that their employees owe them the work they do. They're receiving paychecks, right? True. But great bosses see work as more than a transactional relationship. They realize that employees are putting a lot of effort into their work. Even if it's "just part" of their job, they say thanks
GREAT BOSSES DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE LIVES OF PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF WORK
Bad bosses often see their employees as one-dimensional. They show up, get the job done, and then the boss is free to focus on them until the next day. Great bosses remember that work is only one aspect of their employees' lives. They don't forget their families, friends, hobbies, and other obligations. And they don’t ask for employees to work late without good reasons. They acknowledge they have a reason for asking for a sacrifice, and they express their gratitude accordingly.
GREAT BOSSES ARE GREAT COMMUNICATORS
Some bosses seem to be willing to do whatever it takes to not give a straight answer. They won't say anything they could be held responsible for later. Others bosses don't like to hear clear explanations or solid answers. Great bosses are clear and precise in what they mean. They also say it clearly so people don't have the burden of trying to figure out what they mean
GREAT BOSSES CREATE LEADERS
Did you know that promotions can often come from one manager? That's no accident. The best bosses bring out the best in their employees. They encourage, coach, and tap into the strengths of their people. When their employees are ready to take on new challenges, they will gladly send them on their journey
ALL OF IT TOGETHER
Is this what your current boss would say about you? If you don't, you are wasting money, effort, or productivity. If not to other jobs then to disengagement or lack of interest, you're likely losing good employees.