Not everyone knows how to improvise on the attributes of an ideal boss. But most can tell you a story about enduring a bad one. You may have heard many stories of bosses berating employees in front of other people, screaming at workers, or throwing temper tantrums.
This kind of behavior affects productivity (at least when the boss isnât looking) and plays havoc on employee morale. When there is low morale, employees disengage â which contributes to undue stress. Employees who are forced to deal with a bad boss view the culture as âweâ versus âthemâ. Not only do these hostile environments lower worker productivity, but they are also very difficult to manage.
We spend a third of our lives with our employees and co-workers so why not try to create a working environment that encourages fun and supports productivity. Also, I think working for a good boss is a very motivating experience. It makes one work even harder and gives their very best efforts at the workplace while at the same time enjoying your job. Not everyone knows how to develop some ideal boss characteristics, yet others have figured out what it takes to encourage and motivate employees, so lets find out what makes a good boss.
Having a great boss can make work enjoyable and inspire you to perform at your best. On the other hand, a bad boss can make even the best job miserable. So what are the qualities that separate the great bosses from the bad ones?
As a career coach, I’ve worked with hundreds of professionals over the years. Many have shared horror stories about bosses who micromanaged, played favorites, took credit for others’ work, and more. But I’ve also heard rave reviews about managers who made work fun, recognized achievements, developed team members’ skills, and truly cared about employees as people.
After analyzing feedback from employees across multiple industries about their best and worst bosses. I’ve identified 25 key qualities that the admired respected leaders consistently demonstrate
1. Honesty and Integrity
Great bosses stick to their word, act ethically, and tell the truth. They don’t compromise their principles for personal gain or to please others. Employees know they can trust an honest boss to make fair decisions and keep their best interests in mind.
2. Good Communication Skills
Effective bosses clearly articulate expectations, give constructive feedback, and listen attentively They tailor messages for their audience and avoid confusion by being precise and direct. Workers understand where they stand and how to improve under a boss with excellent communication abilities
3. Respect for Others
Admired leaders treat everyone respectfully, regardless of title or background. They don’t belittle others or take credit for employees’ contributions. Good bosses give people their full attention, avoid interrupting, and value diversity and inclusion.
4. Self-Awareness
The best managers understand their own strengths and weaknesses. They openly admit when they make mistakes rather than blaming others. Self-aware bosses seek feedback to improve. Their humility, self-deprecating humor, and willingness to evolve inspire loyalty.
5. Emotional Intelligence
Skilled leaders are adept at identifying their own and others’ emotions. They pick up on verbal and nonverbal cues to discern how workers feel. Emotionally intelligent bosses avoid knee-jerk reactions, think before speaking, and manage stress well.
6. Confidence
While arrogant bosses can be off-putting self-assured leaders earn respect. They make firm decisions and take responsibility for outcomes. Their confidence inspires teams to accomplish goals that may have seemed unrealistic.
7. Positivity
Great managers upbeat attitude motivates and uplifts team members. They see challenges as opportunities rather than threats. Workers feed off their optimism, enthusiasm, and humor.
8. Empathy
Compassionate bosses try to put themselves in employees’ shoes. They inquire about workers’ lives outside the office and show genuine concern for their well-being. Empathetic leaders offer support during tough times.
9. Reliability
Employees want to know they can count on their boss. Stellar managers follow through on promises, meet deadlines, and promptly return calls and emails. Their consistency builds trust.
10. Decisiveness
While they solicit opinions, strong leaders don’t procrastinate when it’s time to make a tough call. Once a decision is made, they stand behind it rather than wavering. Their decisiveness gives teams confidence.
11. Accountability
Great bosses hold themselves and team members accountable. They don’t avoid difficult conversations or let problems fester. Employees respect leaders who tackle issues directly while treating everyone fairly.
12. Growth-Focused
The best managers believe people can improve with coaching and experience. They don’t pigeonhole staff as inherently “good” or “bad” at certain things. Their faith in developing employees helps workers reach their potential.
13. Results-Oriented
Effective leaders focus on outcomes rather than hours clocked. They keep teams on task while avoiding micromanagement. Workers thrive under bosses who remind them how their efforts align with organizational goals.
14. Strategic Thinking
Strong managers see the big picture and think long-term. They identify smart investments that may not pay immediate dividends. Their strategic focus helps teams prioritize what matters most.
15. Even-Keeled
While passionate, talented leaders don’t fly off the handle. They keep their cool during crises and address problems calmly. Employees are comfortable coming to them with bad news because they handle it constructively.
16. Fair and Ethical
Good bosses act with integrity, play by the rules, and avoid favoritism. Employees know their opportunities depend on performance, not office politics. Leaders who take the high road earn respect.
17. Good Judgment
Seasoned managers make wise, reasoned choices. They gather data from diverse sources when problem-solving. Smart bosses think independently rather than follow the herd.
18. Generosity
The best leaders give credit where it’s due. They share expertise and connections to help team members develop. Their generosity with resources and praise boosts morale.
19. Dependability
Workers need to know their boss will keep the department running smoothly. Dependable managers follow through, meet deadlines, and keep promises. Employees find it easier to focus when their leader is reliable.
20. Service-Focused
Great bosses see their role as serving team members. They remove red tape, find tools to help employees work smarter, and pitch in to lighten heavy workloads. Their support empowers staff.
21. Authenticity
The best leaders are approachable and real. They don’t pretend to have all the answers or know everything about subordinates’ roles. Employees relate better to bosses who share their real selves.
22. Courage
Strong leaders give direct feedback, make tough calls, and own their mistakes. They do the right thing even when it’s unpopular. Employees respect managers who are honest and ethical.
23. Collaboration
Rather than dictating, admired bosses involve teams in problem-solving and goal-setting. They build alignment and ownership by being inclusive. Collaboration also keeps leaders in touch with frontline realities.
24. Open-Mindedness
Effective managers invite new ideas from staff and stakeholders. They actively gather input and listen without judgment. Their openness spurs innovation and flexibility.
25. Passion
The best leaders work hard because they love what they do. Their excitement is contagious and makes employees more engaged, creative, and productive.
Great bosses like these attract and retain top talent. Their rounded leadership capabilities enable teams to perform at their best and enjoy the journey. While perfect managers are rare, we can all strive to emulate these qualities. Doing so helps create positive, empowering workplaces where employees and organizations thrive together.
After analyzing the qualities that makebosses great based on employee feedback and expert advice, the key traits that emerged were:
- Honesty/Integrity
- Communication Skills
- Respect for Others
- Self-Awareness
- Emotional Intelligence
- Confidence
- Positivity
- Empathy
- Reliability
- Decisiveness
Great bosses also demonstrate:
- Accountability
- A Growth Mindset
- Strategic Thinking
- Even-Keeled Nature
- Fairness
- Good Judgement
- Generosity
- Dependability
- Service-Focused Attitude
- Authenticity
Finally, admired leaders exhibit:
- Courage
- Collaborative Style
- Open-Mindedness
- Passion
While a perfect boss likely doesn’t exist, striving to cultivate these 25 qualities can help create an empowering and engaging workplace where employees enjoy coming to work. Using this list as a north star when managing people can also serve organizations well in attracting and retaining top talent.
1 Does not micromanage
The best way to show staff that you donât trust them is to micromanage them. To constantly peer over their shoulders and watch their every move like a hawk.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes micromanaging as âto try to control or manage all the small parts of (something, such as an activity) in a way that is usually not wanted or that causes problems.â
The good boss qualities is that they do not micromanage staff but it is important to note that there are situations where micromanagement is warranted such as during critical deadlines or when a staff member is new and the boss is taking time to learn the work habits and productivity of the new team member in order to determine how much autonomy to give the new staff.
Another area where there could be micromanagement is when an employeeâs performance level is below expectations and the boss is working with them to remedy the situation.
Knowing how to execute the vision
An best boss should easily communicate their specific vision to subordinates. The vision ensures focus, alignment, and efficiency.
A boss can communicate the vision through various forums such as group meetings or one-on-one discussions with staff.
The objective is to share what needs to be accomplished and why, and then encourage questions from subordinates to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Among the others, the best boss frequently reminds the team about the company vision and regularly measures results against established milestones and targets and course corrects appropriately.
How To Be A Good Boss – 5 Leadership Qualities That Make Good Leaders
What makes a good boss?
A successful boss builds a supportive environment for their employees to work in. Employees seek bosses who are attentive and personable and allow them to feel secure in sharing their ideas. Working for an employer who exhibits the qualities of a good boss can help you perform better and have a more enjoyable experience in the workplace.
How do you know if a boss is good?
Here are the six signs you’re dealing with a great boss. 1. A good boss is intellectually honest. Good bosses are honest leaders. They don’t try to sugarcoat the reality of the situations they face, internally or externally. They confront challenges and barriers openly and are straightforward with the people around them.
Are You a bad boss?
Signs that you’re a bad boss include overworking your best employees, not rewarding good work and taking all the credit for your team’s accomplishments. Becoming a good leader isn’t a goal you achieve overnight. Rather, it’s an ongoing process.
Is being someone’s boss a good leader?
Being someone’s boss doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a good leader. Effective leadership is increasingly essential in the workplace, as more and more employees leave otherwise excellent companies over one resolvable element – bad bosses.
