Have you ever had a really terrible boss? Like we’re talking The Devil Wears Prada style? My bet is you have (I know I certainly have). My other bet is that they were missing some of the important habits of highly effective bosses. Inc.com’s Jeff Haden explains the top things that great bosses do. All of you entrepreneurs, bosses and managers… listen up.
1. Be a little vulnerable
Bosses can be intimidating and sometimes we can forget that they’re actually humans. effective bosses show a little vulnerability to their employees. Why? You prove that you aren’t invincible and that you appreciate and need help sometimes. This allows employees to feel lifted and needed, even from the top. So boss man, don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s actually a sign of strength (not weakness).
2. Give undeserved compliments
As a boss you can sometimes forget to acknowledge the achievements of employees, especially if they’re small. But it’s the compliments and acknowledgment of the small stuff that really proves your awesomeness as a boss. Jeff says that if bosses point out a strength they see in you, employees will have more confidence, be more proud and work hard to make sure they keep up the good work.
3. Let employees become an insider
My favorite boss in New York would do this a lot, and it worked great. If we had a personal conversation before a meeting, she would bring up a little tidbit that only I would know and give a little nod my way. This made me feel like an insider, and that we were a team in a way. By letting employees peek inside, bosses let employees know that they are indeed working together. it’s all about teamwork, baby.
It’s a pretty simple… great bosses create great employees and successful companies. If you’re a boss, make sure you show a little vulnerability (you ARE human after all), acknowledge the small accomplishments of your employees and let employees peek inside so they know you’re all in it together. Check out more of Jeff’s top things that great bosses do here.
