Do you ever feel overwhelmed as a manager? Being overburdened by the responsibility of having to figure out what others want and need of you is a familiar feeling shared among leaders. Fortunately, there is a best practice for obtaining just the kind of information needed to increase your leadership effectiveness: Ask people what they want.
The following 10 traits emerged when front-line staff, supervisors and middle managers were asked to describe the things they look for in a boss. Employees want bosses who are:
1. Innovative
Good bosses have good ideas, but their role in innovation is more as facilitator than consummate mastermind. They are not threatened by the talent of their employees, and cultivate a working environment that allows each person's creativity to come forward.
2. Coaches
Good bosses provide important education and guidance that show employees how their work is contributing to the larger goals of the organization. They help employees build confidence by giving stretch assignments that require demonstration of new skills and right-sized risk, then providing feedback.
3. Caring
Good bosses listen to their employees and show an interest in their opinions by providing opportunities to talk openly. They also encourage personal and professional growth, sometimes by giving access to resources (like professional development experiences).
4. Strategic
Good bosses can make hard choices and have the finesse needed to get people behind even unpopular decisions. They are able to secure resources for important initiatives worth pursuing. They use analytical frameworks for guiding change, promoting transparent processes and communication.
5. Visionary
Good bosses are visionary managers, able to clearly see and build a commitment toward a compelling future state. They articulate a sense of direction, map out the path and shepherd the process.
6. Trustworthy
Good bosses are genuine, have integrity and behave in a manner consistent with their word and values. Employees trust bosses they know to be intelligent and capable with a demonstrated track record of acting in their best interest. They give and receive (even invite) feedback, both affirmative and constructive.
7. Adaptable
Good bosses are able to balance how they give support and direction with the freedom employees need to do their work. They understand that each employee comes to the workplace with unique experiences, needs and cultural lenses that will require individualized attention and support, and can adapt their own style to ensure effective communication and levels of productivity.
8. Passionate
Good bosses are passionate about something—particularly the vision or mission of the organization. They are the first to contribute, and model the level of motivation and quality required for achievement of organizational goals. Good bosses help employees stay connected to their own passion by encouraging the sharing, shaping and implementation of ideas.
9. Champions
Good bosses support their employees, even when they make mistakes. They act as a conduit between their employees and higher level decision-makers, often helping employees develop the language and strategies needed to take an idea to the top of the organization.
10. Fun
Good bosses are willing to laugh and value a work environment that encourages meaningful relationships between colleagues. They inspire by making connections about the importance of employees' work and their value to the company.
By DeEtta Jones
DeEtta Jones is a leadership strategist, social justice advocate and author. She has more than 20 years of experience working with individual leaders and teams in some of the world's most prominent universities and corporations. Her multidimensional background and fresh perspective leave clients feeling heard and empowered to take on some of the major organizational and workforce challenges of our time. For more information or to have Jones speak at your next event, visit www.deettajones.com.