Ten Things That Describe a Perfect Boss
While nobody is perfect, there are a number of solid professional traits that can make you an excellent boss. Employees appreciate leaders who step forward and take control rather than acting as a friend or colleague. Also appreciated are bosses who are gracious enough to solicit feedback from staffers, treat employees with respect and share credit where it’s due.
Solid interpersonal communication skills are key to being a good manager. Employees respond to supervisors who are willing to listen, compromise, explain and exchange information on a number of levels.
Employees respect a boss who decisively makes tough calls. A strong leader with visionary traits can inspire staffers to new heights. An effective leader will have short- and long-term strategic plans and be able to rally employees and inspire their best performance.
Exceptional bosses are fair, carefully weighing the pros and cons of decisions to ensure equitable outcomes. Strong leaders have the ability to evaluate people and situations and make the most educated choices based on the circumstances with which they are presented.
A great boss has an event temperament, a sense of humor and a sense of humility. This supervisor is able to communicate with a range of personality types, does not discriminate or disparage, and always has a positive attitude.
With superior industry knowledge, a boss can provide direction, troubleshoot issues and instruct employees. The best managers also know when to admit they doesn’t know something, when to ask for assistance and when to apologize for mistakes.
An exceptional leader knows how to motivate employees, both individually and in groups. This involves understanding what excites employees about their jobs and finding the appropriate incentives and rewards to encourage professional success.
An effective boss not only leads his team but participates in collaborative efforts. A great boss is one who is willing to provide hands-on assistance and work alongside his charges on group efforts.
Employees are not simply staffers, but individual people who sometimes have personal problems to contend with in the workplace. A compassionate boss is understanding and accepting of these situations and helps employees maintain an appropriate work-life balance.
As conflicts arise between employees or with customers, managers must step up to resolve the situation. This may include mediation, dispute resolution and employee counseling. A strong leader can accomplish these goals while helping all parties retain their dignity.
An ethical boss elicits the respect of employees by leading by example. Ethical behaviors that are incorporated into workplace practices demonstrate to employees the value and necessity of setting high professional standards. Employees recognize that a boss who treats customers and business associates ethically will likely be fair and equitable to them as well.