Top 4 qualities of a great boss
August 6, 2009 by Kim DustmanPosted in: Communication tips, Efficiency, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest news & views, Management issues
Everyone seems to have a story about his or her pushy, micromanaging, dim-witted boss, but when was the last time you heard about a great leader of the workplace? There are a number of traits, attitudes and skills good bosses everywhere have in common. Here are the top four attributes of a successful workplace leader:
1. Has inclusive outlook. Especially in smaller businesses, it’s important for everyone to feel equal and part of the team. A good boss treats every employee fairly, not only in terms of salary and compensation, but also in how each takes part in day-to-day work activities. Exceptional employers create an inclusive workplace environment based on mutual trust and respect, so employees feel valued and engaged.
2. Concerned with the big picture. Though all businesses are concerned with profit, a good boss establishes an authentic mission statement to motivate employees. Giving employees something to focus on aside from money will give their daily routine a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.
3. Not afraid of mistakes. When employers come down too hard on workers who have made mistakes, other employees will think twice before tapping into their creative sides. A more effective boss encourages his or her employees to try new things without being too wary of consequences.
4. Keep employee concerns in mind. A successful boss will remember that employees are looking to navigate and advance their own careers. Helping workers improve their careers and reach their ultimate goals will boost morale and build an atmosphere of trust.
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Tags: Character traits, Great boss, Mistakes, Morale, Qualities, Workplace leader
August 10th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
When I lived in Bethesda, MD, I was the Office Manager for the Bethesda Urban Partnership, a non-profit organization responsible for the marketing and care for downtown Bethesda. The Executive Director was, by far, the best boss that I have ever worked for. He gave credit where credit was due, he treated all employees as though they were all family members, he believed in working together as a team to accomplish the organization’s mission, and on and on and on. Because of that, there was very little turnover. The only reason I resigned was because I moved out-of-state. I miss him terribly.
October 13th, 2009 at 11:56 am
I had a great boss in Cuyahoga Community College, Tomas Schick, Dean of Education and Student Affairs. He was a great listener, he had the spirit of play-it-forward before the term was ever used or said. When I wanted to move ahead he would say “I must do everything to help move your forward so I can move forward and we can improve our world and community and make this a better place one person at a time”. So when he taught me how to play-it forward in my life, I had to do the same, so when I moved to Memphis, I began to play-it forward with my assistant and she is now the Chief Network Administrator for the company because I listened and by my spirit I played-it-forward.
July 12th, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Everyone should have a boss like my former boss, John. He always put people and the organization above petty politics. He believed strongly in communication, keeping everyone in the startegic loop and in being an excellent mentor. Once, when I made a mistake that cost the company thousands of dollars, I was crushed by it. John let me know that he didn’t want to fire me for it because anyone could have made that mistake and that the company had paid for the mistake as part of my salary. He wanted to recoup the benefits of it through an employee who had learned from making a mistake and would not make it again.
John and I have moved onward and upward to separate organizations. Unfortunately, most bosses are the exact opposite of John. What a detriment that is to business.