How To Be A Good Boss At Your Workplace Includes Being a Good Listener, Delegating Wisely, Communicating Effectively With Others, Setting Goals and Achieving it, and Ensuring You Always Recognize Achievements.
There is no bible or age rule book that guides you to be a good boss. Management positions can be delegated by the number of years you have spent in a place or the kind of work you have contributed to an organization. But a good boss is recognized by certain qualities. These qualities don’t just make him a stand-up guy but a source of inspiration and aspiration to his subordinates.
Below Are My Top 5 Qualities That Make A Perfect Boss
Listen
A good boss listens to what his team has to say because great ideas, insights, and perspectives don’t just come from one place but from anywhere. Therefore, he is open to the contributions of other people.
Most of the contributions given by his team might not be fully formed yet and that is where his years of experience or expertise come into play. To fine-tune these ideas and eventually make them better. Better still, make contributions to ideas raised that will encourage a good outcome.
Delegate wisely
The key to leadership success is to learn to effectively delegate both the responsibility for completing assignments and the authority required to get things done. Many bosses feel that they need to control every little thing that their employees do.
If you feel they are not good enough, then why hire them? Entrust your team will the ability to bring out the best possible result. They will respect you for that.
Communicate
A lot of bosses have a problem with communication. Most times, it’s difficult for busy business owners and executives to keep their employees up-to-date on the latest organizational news.
Regardless, you must make every effort to get employees the information they need to do their jobs quickly and efficiently. Communication keeps everyone in the loop of what’s going on, what needs to be done, and how to go about it. Which leads to results.
Set Goals
Every employee needs goals to strive for. Not only do goals give employees direction and purpose, but they ensure that your employees are working towards the overall organizational goals.
Set specific and measurable goals with your employees, then regularly monitor their progress toward achieving them.
Recognize achievements
Every employee wants to do a good job. And when they do a good job, employees want recognition from their bosses. Unfortunately, few bosses do much in the way of recognizing and rewarding employees for a job well done. A kind word or gesture can go a long way in lifting the spirits of employees so that their work is recognized and appreciated.
Finally, running an organization is no small fit. Products and services must be sold and delivered, and money must be made. Despite the gravity of these responsibilities, leaders should endeavor to make their organizations fun places to work. Instead of having employees who look for every possible reason to call in sick or arrive at work late or go home early, organizations that work hard and play hard end up with a more loyal and energized workforce.
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14 Tips For Improving Your Relationship With Your Boss
Here’s how to improve your working relationship with your boss:
Put yourself in the shoes of your supervisor
Mazur advises preparing for the issues your boss will face that day and being prepared to offer answers. “Prepare meaningful replies or next steps for queries your boss may ask regarding your work or a project.” Thinking ahead can demonstrate that you are a valuable team member.”
Teach argues that it’s natural to resent your boss, especially if they treat you poorly, but “they have a job to complete, just like you.” “There’s a lot about their job that you’re unaware of or see, so don’t think they’re trying to get you,” he adds. “Sometimes individuals act a certain manner for a reason—perhaps their employer is putting them under a lot of pressure—so try to be understanding.”
Demonstrate your worth.
“They hired you for a reason,” Hockett says, “so ensure you’re adding value to the organization and position.” “Bosses want employees willing to speak up about the reality and business issues that need to be addressed.” Be the one who communicates with facts, confidence, and reasonable proposals that achieve outcomes. This increases your boss’s trust in you.”
Make your boss appear nice by doing whatever it takes. “Everyone cares about their professional reputation, or should,” Teach explains. “If you can make your boss appear good, they’ll be pleased, and if they’re pleased, you’ll be pleased.”
He adds that you should not correct your boss in front of others. “Almost nothing is more embarrassing for a supervisor than having a subordinate correct them in front of other people.” Even if they are incorrect, this is embarrassing for them. You’re better off explaining their error to them after everyone has left.”
Hockett concurs.
“At all times, demonstrate a degree of professionalism that not only benefits you personally but also positively reflects on your supervisor,” she advises. You are an example of their leadership.
Understand when and how to communicate with your superiors. Does your boss prefer one-sentence e-mails or a lengthy summary of what’s going on? Is she looking for a high-level overview of your project, or does she require all of the details? “Learn how your supervisor prefers to interact and be communicated with and replicate this manner,” Mazur advises.
According to Hockett, you should also ask yourself, “What time of day would my supervisor want to answer any questions I may have?” and “When is the ideal day of the week to approach him?” “Knowing this ahead of time can significantly strengthen the relationship,” she says.
Request feedback.
“Don’t be scared to seek criticism from your manager,” Maroney advises. “Don’t think your work isn’t valued because your manager is handling numerous deliverables and spending less time with you than you’d want.” She says that too many people are afraid to speak up because they are afraid of the unknown. “Ideally, your manager should be providing feedback already, but this is your career, so don’t be hesitant to take the wheel.”
Get to know your supervisor on a personal level.
You don’t have to be friends with your boss or spend your weekends with them. However, it can’t hurt to ask them how their weekend was or what their hobbies and interests are outside of work, according to Teach. “Because bosses are people, communicate with them on a personal level.”
Offer to assist. According to Hockett, you should ask your employer whether they need assistance with any initiatives. “Many managers have a full plate and will not always speak up when they need help.” “Ask them if they need help with anything during the chat,” she advises.
Maroney concurs. “We all get the feeling that there aren’t enough hours in the day. One of the finest ways to position yourself for progress is to demonstrate your willingness and ability to take on new responsibilities. And who knows, you might get the chance to work on a project that will allow you to gain new abilities, gain new fans within the organization, and position yourself for bigger and better possibilities.”
Keep your boss up to date.
“No one likes surprises, so if you’re having difficulties at work, discuss them,” Mazur adds. Don’t hide behind hurdles or blunders; instead, keep your boss updated along the process. “Whether things are going well or poorly, keeping your supervisor informed builds mutual trust and integrity.”
Teach concurs. He claims that your boss dislikes surprises, so if you keep her up to date on significant projects by e-mail, phone conversations, or office visits, she won’t need to micromanage you and “everyone will be happy.”
Promise less and deliver more.
Mazur advises putting your best foot forward in order to exceed your boss’s expectations. “For example, if you’re working on an assignment, make a reasonable timeframe for when you’ll finish it and surprise your supervisor by doing it earlier than expected.” This will demonstrate that you are proactive and capable of managing your task.”
Seek assistance and counsel. According to Maroney, 61% of survey respondents would prefer that management invest in their professional growth rather than in creating a joyful environment. “Clearly, people want to learn new things,” she says. “If your supervisor sees you as a potential protégé, he or she will likely warm up to you.”
According to Hockett, people, particularly your boss, like to be perceived as subject matter experts. “Make a point of asking for their advice on a regular basis, and make it count.” You don’t want to seek advice on a trivial matter. By involving them in the process of developing or validating a solution, you demonstrate how much you value their input.”
Respect your superior.
Respect your boss, even if you don’t like them, Teach advises. “It’s possible they’ve earned their position for a reason.” They are your boss, whether you like it or not. They’re higher up the food chain than you, and disrespecting them in any manner will damage your connection with them.”
Be genuine. Hockett advises against being regarded as kissing up to the boss. “Be genuine in your approach.” Swinging by your boss’s desk with a cup of coffee every day, for example, may not be a good idea unless it’s part of your job description. However, extending the offer to grab them one as well if you’re on your way to the break room is a good gesture, she continues.
Maintain your distance from office politics and gossip. According to Maroney, your behavior reflects on your manager, so avoid snarky remarks and “when in doubt, be circumspect.”
Hockett agrees. “Whether you believe you can trust your coworkers or not, it is best not to gossip about your boss or anyone else.” When you do this, word gets out, which might sour your connection with your supervisor and peers.”
Create an open line of communication.
Mazur argues that being honest and communicating openly with your supervisor can help develop openness and trust in the relationship. Hockett recommends holding a weekly or biweekly phone or in-person meeting (15 to 30 minutes). “Take use of this time to establish rapport, share progress, and seek suggestions.” If possible, try to get out of the office for lunch or coffee with them on a regular basis.”
“At the end of the day,” Mazur adds, “it’s all about creating trust in your relationship with your supervisor.” “Employees expect their managers to be a mentor, cheerleader, go-to person, and advocate all in one, and it’s critical to develop trust in order for this to happen.” Also, if you work for a supervisor who lives and believes in the company’s principles and acknowledges and rewards their employees for upholding those values, the relationship will be successful, she says.
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