A good boss is …
By anthony balderrama on Nov 17, 2009 in Featured, Work
Our friends over at The Hiring Site recently asked recruiters and hiring managers to explain what makes a good leader. They compiled the responses and created an excellent, 11-point list of qualities that define a true leader. Among the many traits are integrity, communication, confidence and passion.
Not surprising, right? However, just because we know what a leader should be doesn’t mean all leaders — or supposed leaders — possess these qualities. (The situation is similar to knowing what makes a good employee. We all know hard work and ambition make good employees, but not everyone acts accordingly. )
I thought it would be interesting to hear what you have to say about what makes a good leader or boss. Is leadership a necessity to be a good boss? What are the must-haves of a boss? What qualities are nice but not necessary?
I recently wrote an article discussing what makes a good boss, and here are some responses:
· “Be consistent and predictable. It is hard for subordinates to make the boss look good when the boss behaves erratically and every situation seems to result in a unique decision.” — Wayne Botha of Botha Consulting
· “They are able to get you to do something without using coercive tactics or bullying. They’re able to frame the discussion in the same way a good basketball coach tells you what the best play will be.” — Andrew Lee, co-founder and CEO of JamLegend.com
· “Promote from within. Develop your subordinates and then promote them when the opportunity arises. Subordinates will quickly understand your intentions when you always hire people from outside your organization for top positions.” — Botha
· “A good boss will defend your actions (when they are defensible) and will help you when there is a problem.” — Deborah Graham
· “A good boss understands that every task given to you cannot be your No. 1, top priority and will work with you to readjust priority lists if necessary.” — Graham
· “A good boss knows the overall value each employee brings to the organization, and keeps that in mind. So, a single transgression by an otherwise excellent employee doesn’t demand the same response as the same transgression by an employee who consistently makes mistakes.” — Bruce Campbell, vice president of marketing at Clare Computer Solutions
· “A good boss keeps you informed about what is happening at the higher management levels and what projects might be coming down the road.” — Graham
So tell us, what do you think makes a good boss?
Buck Hamilton | Nov 23, 2009 | Reply
What makes a good boss? Good bosses (ergo, good leaders)universally share the common trait of having genuine high self-esteem. Those that are weak in self-confidence, the low self-esteemers, are often extremely dangerous people. These are the managers that surround themselves with sycophants and flattering courtesans, rather than build a team of super-capable achievers. Yes, the good bosses are secure in who they are.
Angie Eckman | Nov 24, 2009 | Reply
A good boss is able to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of his or her team and will work to motivate the team by utilizing everyone’s strengths and work to develop the team’s weak points.
AnonyMrs | Nov 30, 2009 | Reply
A good boss doesn’t put his or her feet on the desk, randomly check (and reply to) email during a one-on-one meeting, stare at the caller ID when his or her phone rings… and most of all, a good boss doesn’t adjust him or herself where others may witness it.
Lauri. Mills | Dec 1, 2009 | Reply
A good Boss is one who’s paycheck is directly affected by those under him/her. One who considers him/herself to be one of the team, has proven techniques and protocol to help everyone function efficiently and treats everyone as an asset, would never fire anyone no matter what there production. The only place you will ever find a boss like that is with the network marketing business! your success is every ones success! if you have a lager well, they just drop off the team and it takes care of itself, no stress, no blame, your job is what you make it. I own my own marketing business (FHTM) and the system is perfect not sure why more people dont see it but thats ok because we still need Doctors, waitresses, etc. but all these unemployed people need to stop looking to Welfare and consider what could possibly make them financially stable
Jillian B. | Dec 1, 2009 | Reply
A good boss doesn’t use their position or staff to act out problems at home or personal issues or situations. They are professional and mature enough to separate the two and act accordingly. A good boss is fair, sets a good example and does not favor, backbite, play staff against each other or is part of the office politics. A good boss respects his staff, listens, is available, follows up, responds timely and appropriately…all the things he would expect from his own boss. Unfortunately, there are fewer good bosses out there than bad ones….
Judy | Dec 5, 2009 | Reply
A good boss is fair. This does not mean being easy or a pushover – just fair. I like someone’s comment that a good boss considers him/her self to be one of the team, and I would add does not think of him/herself as above the team even though his/her rank is.
JB | Feb 27, 2010 | Reply
Above all other things, a good boss is fair and impartial. They recognize a job well done and give kudos when deserved. A “great” boss respects their staff as they wish to be respected. They ask, not demand that things get done. They do NOT demean anyone, most especially not their subordinates and absolutely never address any issues in front of other staff. They are willing to go the extra mile and they treat their staff as the adults they are unless it is otherwise warranted. In short, they act as a part of the team rather than “lording” over their subordinates.