It is probably a safe bet to say that most folks who manage other people think that they are a good boss. After all, we have all had bad bosses and no one likes working for a bad boss, let alone thinking that they are the bad boss.
But the truth is, all bosses are not created equal. A couple are great, some are good, many are fine, and not a few are actually bad. So which are you? Let’s find out. Here are the top 10 signs that you really are a good boss.
1. You don’t micromanage: The best bosses know that when they hire someone, they are hiring that person’s smarts, talent, initiative, and abilities. As such, they let their people do their jobs and do not to do it for them. Even though you might do it differently, you know you are a good boss if you trust your people and let them do it their way.
2. You stay above the fray: We all know that petty (and not so petty) office politics are part of life. The bad boss gets involved in that sort of minutiae, often seeing it as a way to gain leverage over someone or some situation. The good boss knows that it is his or her job to not only avoid such situations (let alone not exacerbate them) but in fact should look to foster harmony and diminish discord.
3. You lead: You are their boss, not their friend (well, you might be their friend too, but that’s beside the point.) Your job at work is to set an example, have a vision, and get people to buy into that vision. You know – be a leader.
4. You know that fun is part of the game: Great bosses understand that a workplace that is dry and boring is one where you don’t get the best out of people. Employees want to make money, sure, but they also want to socialize, sharpen their skills, and yes, have a good time. Allowing that makes for a more interesting, creative, and fun place to work. It boosts morale . . . and the bottom line.
5. You are fair: Bad bosses play favorites. Bad bosses take sides. Bad bosses are unjust. You know you are a good boss if those sentences do not describe you.
6. You have manners. A good boss knows that even though he or she is in a position of authority, having manners is still required. If people help you, you thank them. If you need someone to do something extra, you are sure to say ‘please.’ You treat people with respect.
7. You are not a jerk: A good boss knows that you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. So you don’t yell. You do not berate. You are respectful and kind. Sure you can be a tough guy on occasion, but that is more the exception than the rule.
8. You treat employees like adults, not children. A good boss understands that employees have lives outside of work. For instance, the good boss will not force a staff member to lie and call in sick if she actually has a sick child at home. Good bosses expect their people to be and act like responsible adults.
9. You reward a job well done: Even if your budget is tight, you can rest assured that you are a good boss if you reward people. It might be a small bonus or a day off or tickets to the game, but whatever the case, good bosses acknowledge and reward people for a job well done.
10. People are loyal to you: No one is loyal to a bad boss. Good bosses foster loyalty and get people to go above and beyond because employees like working for them.
