How To Be A Great Boss
Happy National Bosses day! I can remember my first management position; it was over twenty years ago. I had a tremendous amount of sales experience and was transitioning into the “boss” position. In this industry, there was little or no formalized training to become a manager. You learned as you went. So, I gained insight on how to manage from those that led me through my career.
One word that has changed how we manage is “technology.” Many leaders have shifted their focus to their computer screens and phones, while spending less time on growing their number one asset – human capital! I believe that emotional intelligence is the fastest way to increase any company’s top line.
I believe that a great boss develops into a leader. Firstly, they lead employees instead of simply bossing employees around. They realize that everyone on the team has a voice and insight that could make the team better. They have a deep understanding that employees want to be heard and know their opinions matter.
So, what does it take to be a great boss?
They know the way. They have the experience because they have been there and they are always looking for solutions to help their team. They discover the most efficient way to get them to their outcomes. More importantly, they know the way to lead their team. They understand what inspires them, they have a meaningful relationship with them, and they invest their time into getting to know their team. They also know when their team needs accountability or support.
They go the way. They make commitments to be there with their team and they hold themselves accountable. They are fearless and they accept responsibility. They understand that it takes a tremendous amount of time and energy to lead others, and they accept that challenge.
They show the way. They inspire their team to succeed and they provide you with the necessary skills to do so. They respect and trust their team. They listen and challenge their team to learn something from each experience and they coach and guide their team along the way. They give their team a sense of ownership.
Today we celebrate and thank these great bosses! True great leaders invest their best in human capital because that is why they became a boss in the first place!