Ever wonder why you love your job? It probably has more to do with having a good boss than loving what you do. If your manager has any of the qualities below, consider yourself lucky! Good managers:
- Know their field
- Aren't afraid to be human
- Lead by example
- Acknowledge and reward
- Give good feedback
Great Bosses Know Their Stuff
Beyond their strong leadership skills, truly great bosses are experts in their fields. And while they're willing to admit when they simply don't know something, they have the kind of professional confidence that comes from knowing their speciality inside and out.
Good Managers Show Their Humanity
Good leaders know that we're not just roles and responsibilities; we're people who want to connect with other people. That's why good bosses recognize that even though it's important to keep up a professional image that exudes knowledge and competence, it's just as important to connect on a human level. Supervisors who give insights about their lives, share personal stories and show they (genuinely) care gain personal loyalty, improve worker morale and reduce employee churn.
Good Leaders Lead by Example
Good managers don't play by "do as I say, not as I do" rules. Instead, they model the behavior they hope to see in their reports. Depending on the work environment and culture in place, this could mean challenging existing dogma or quietly towing the line. Either way, good supervisors silently mentor employees by showing them that the rules apply to everyone, not just those at the bottom of the totem pole.
Good Bosses Give Credit Where Credit Is Due
The best managers acknowledge good work and effort (but only when it's deserved). Recognizing that reward and acknowledgement provide valuable learning opportunities and often-appreciated affirmation, good bosses let you know when you've done something well (and when you're close but not quite there). And a good boss would never take credit for your work or pay you less than you deserve.
Good Managers Give Corrective Feedback
A good boss knows that feedback fosters learning, collaboration and growth, and he is willing to share his experience and insight by giving thoughtful, clear input. While managers must be careful to make sure criticism is constructive and justified (random subjective criticism does not count!), good feedback highlights the positive, the negative and necessary corrective action.
So you've got a great boss. Now what?
If you're lucky enough to have a good boss, enjoy it. Make sure he (or she!) knows how much you appreciate their time and value the opportunity they're giving you. And, don't forget to learn everything they're willing to teach you!
Sources:
Rajesh Setty, How Good Bosses Can Help Smart People Become Smarter. http://www.rajeshsetty.com/2011/04/22/how-good-bosses-become-smart-people-get-even-smarter/ (Sept 5, 2011)
Steve Tobak, 10 Things That Good Bosses Do. http://www.bnet.com/blog/ceo/10-things-that-good-bosses-do/5868 (Sept 5, 2011)
Jennifer Silva - Jenn is a professional writer and editor with experience in: technical communications (medical, manufacturing and publishing ...
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