If you’re lucky, you have had a chance to work under a memorable, humble, charismatic and exceptional leader who proved themselves iconic in their execution of day to day responsibilities, one of those true leaders, one that values your input and listens, seeks to improve you as much as they seek to improve themselves.
If you’re even luckier, you’re currently in a position to adopt these characteristics into your role as a leader, to nurture your staff and promote their excellence in accordance with your own.
Having had the opportunity to work under this ideal boss and eventually move into this position myself, I can honestly attest to the fact that the role can be immensely rewarding through both perspectives. The wisdom continuously flows. You can learn so much from a great leader, which you can then teach to your staff; and you can learn so much from your staff, which you can then incorporate into your efforts as a great leader.
1. Good bosses get things done.
Great bosses get things done efficiently and effectively, always focusing on achieving the utmost level of efficacy possible and progressively improving upon their delivery of results.
2. Good bosses listen and are receptive to ideas from their staff.
Great bosses force employees to speak, to think outside the box and instigate an effective flow of ideas. They nurture the imaginations of their employees and promote innovative thought.
3. Good bosses will roll up their sleeves and do things themselves to illustrate exemplary performance.
Great bosses will roll up their sleeves and do things, not only to lead by example, but to contribute to the team as a whole. They aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and work to genuinely contribute to the team rather than delegating responsibility.
4. Good bosses encourage employees to develop within their respective roles and offer assistance when needed.
Great bosses actively force employees to develop within their respective roles by challenging them, monitoring their progress and nurturing their improvement, understanding that they have just as much of a responsibility to continually develop as well.
5. Good bosses convey praise and provide recognition.
Great bosses need not convey praise, as their staff is everlastingly equipped with a sense of achievement. Employees inherently understand that their efforts are unceasingly valued and recognized.
6. Good bosses give constructive criticism.
Great bosses give constructive advice, compliments, and criticism. They’re an active outlet for wisdom and their employees see them as a means to learn more – a fountain of knowledge.
7. Good bosses will seek to achieve the achievable.
Great bosses will believe in the unbelievable. They will bite off more than they can chew and seek to instill confidence by doing so. Achieving the impossible will provide a memorable experience and promote determination and tenacity within the group as a whole.
8. Good bosses are professional.
Great bosses are not only professional, but demonstrate sincerity, personality and are genuinely human. While professionalism is admirable, professionalism blended with a shred of benevolent humanity is inspirational.
9. Good bosses play by the book and minimize any measure of discord.
Great bosses take an unpopular stand when needed and accept the discomfort of straying from the status quo. They stand out for charting through uncharted territory and demonstrate that dynamic approaches can lead to greater results.
10. Good bosses ensure that their employees don’t bite off more than they can chew.
Great bosses feed their employees more than necessary, not to overwork them but to challenge them and keep them on their toes. Rather than letting the flames of motivation die down, great bosses are always stoking the fire.
11. Good bosses are humble.
Great bosses are so humble that they put their employees needs above their own, they don’t let a title and a difference in salary effect their relation to any employee. They connect to each employee on a professional and personal level, realizing that learning is an activity that can be reciprocated by the teacher.
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” – John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Featured photo credit: MorgueFile via morguefile.com
