Bosses often get a bad rap. They are in charge, so it is all too easy for the rest of the company's employees to see them as the bad guy and talk smack about them behind their backs. But you know what, it doesn’t have to be that way! Even the most cynical of employees can easily recognise when a boss is going above and beyond to be good at their job and support their staff, and they will, ultimately, acknowledge and appreciate it. Okay, but how exactly do you be a great boss, and not just a good one?
By Team Savant
Image: alex starnes
Keep It Clear
Arguably the most important thing you can do if you want to be a great boss is to be completely clear in all of your communications with your employees. Lay down exactly what you want them to do, how you want it done and when you want it done by, and there will be no mistakes, no wondering and no room for people to get into trouble simply because they weren’t sure. Everyone will know what is expected of them and this will enable everyone to work more effectively and with fewer stress or worries.
Don’t Micromanage Them Though
That being said, it is never a good idea to try and micromanage your employees because this can make them feel claustrophobic and like they are not being trusted y you, which will undoubtedly foster resentment. A great boss is one who knows what each of their employees is capable of and only gives them tasks he or she knows they can do well, so there is no need to breathe down their necks the whole working day.
Treat Them
A great boss is one who recognizes the hard work employees bouts in and rewards them for it. So, whether you strange and office milk delivery that ensures the pantry is always well stocked, you award them vouchers to the local fancy restaurant when they have done good or you add a little extra to their pay packets once in a while, it’s good to treat your employees and show them how valued they are, if you want to be a boss they love and admire.
Keep Developing
If you want to be a great boss you cannot rest on your laurels. You need to keep developing as a person and as a manager. You need to take just as many training courses and classes as your employees, and you need to ensure that you know exactly what you are doing and what needs to be done, no matter how things change around you. You cannot be an effective boss if you are stuck in the past, right? So, make sure you are open to learning new things always.
Now, you know what it takes to be a great boss (and not just a good one) all that remains is to put these ideas into practice. You will not regret doing so, and your business will be all the stronger for it.