From Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada to the well meaning but puerile Michael Scott in The Office to all those horrible bosses in… Horrible Bosses, we see bad examples of management all the time. They’re a staple of our popular culture. The bad boss archetype is such an enduring figure in the popular consciousness because it’s so readily recognizable. Everybody has had one so everybody recognizes them. But real life bosses are rarely as cartoonishly sadistic or gleefully incompetent as those seen on TV, yet every boss alive dreads being seen as one of these horrendous caricatures, and in their zeal to be liked and / or respected, they can commit faux pas that prevent them from achieving either.
If you’re an entrepreneurs then you know that your employees are a vital component in not only your business’ daily operations but its growth, and if you want to ensure that they continue to play a part in bringing your business’ ongoing success, heed these tips to be the best boss ever…
Honesty is always the best policy
Being a boss invariably means having to make tough decisions. It involves telling people things that they don’t want to hear. It can mean hurting or upsetting people. Some people just aren’t great with confrontation and shy away from this, or even try to dress ugly truths up in pretty lies. This is rarely good practice or indeed sustainable. Be honest and transparent with your employees while remaining empathetic and approachable.
Respect, recognize and reward
There is no excuse for not recognizing a job well done wherever and whenever you see it. Many bosses think that their employees see recognition only in monetary terms, but while employee financial perks are certainly a boon for morale and productivity, they are seldom the be all and end all. A simple vergal congratulations or a thank you has more value than most realize, especially when one receives it from a person whom they respect.
Development is crucial
Just as your products and processes are in a constant state of revision and development, so too should your employees. You can’t expect to recruit talented, imaginative and enthusiastic people and then get surprised when they quit because they’re underdeveloped or under stimulated. You should take an active interest in developing your employees not only insofar as they suit the needs of your business but in line with their own career and personal goals. The more you invest in them personally and professionally, the more likely they’ll be to stay with you rather than crossing to road to your competitors.
Be the best possible example that you can be
Nobody is going to go the extra mile for a boss who retreats into their office to drink coffee and play solitaire while they bust a gut. But people will work harder for bosses that they can see putting the work in themselves. Be open and transparent with your employees about what you’re doing and don;t be afraid to approach the coal face with them.
