9 Ways to Be A Better Boss

Taking charge in the workplace may come a little easier for some than others.  Whether you’re leading a small team of two or 20+ when it is time to step up to the plate it’s important that you’re a boss that people want to work with and do well for. So, what should a good boss be and how do you become this great boss that everyone wants to work for you ask? Follow our tips for becoming a better boss below…

1. Listen

A loud leader isn’t the best leader. Try not to be the only one talking in all your meetings, instead listen to your team – ask questions and show that their opinion counts and their ideas are good. After all, that’s why you hired them.

2. Show genuine interest

Having a sincere curiosity and interest in the people who work under you can make them feel valued and help build a solid relationship. A simple chat in the kitchen while making coffee can give you the opportunity to ask Mary if she’s looking forward to her upcoming holiday; or stop by Tom’s desk to see how planning for baby number three is going; or pencil in a catch up with Annie who just joined the team to see how she is settling in.

3. Spend time

Don’t lock yourself away in your office and detach from the team. Make the effort to spend time with your employees. Why? Because according to a study conducted by Leadership IQ this will help them be more inspired, motivated, engaged and innovative.

4. Don’t get too big for your boots

If a bit of authority can quickly get to your head. Then stop right there and get yourself back down to earth. While it’s important to not be too relaxed and still hold respect, it’s also important to ensure your team feels at ease around you and you’re not carrying around an air of arrogance. Remember, every boss started as an employee for someone else.

There is no “I” in team and without your team success is not so achievable. Treat your teammates like colleagues, not subordinates

5. Be passionate

If you want your team to be motivated then be motivating. If the boss doesn’t care then why should anyone else?

6. Encourage development and growth

Everyone is on their own career journey and to get the best out of your team you need to encourage them to always be learning, constantly upskilling. You want to be a mentor who is not only considered about your success but also theirs.  

“A good manager is a man who isn’t worried about his own career but rather the careers of those who work for him.” H.S.M Burns – Former President of Shell Oil Company 

7. Lead and inspire 

Anyone can dish out orders and tell people what to do, but that’s not what true leadership is about, nor is it inspiring for your employees. Always strive for greatness – if you want this from your team then you have to lead by example. “People want to work for a leader, not a boss. Boss spelled backward is double SOB,” – New York Times, best-selling author, John Acuff. Find inspiration of your own and how you can grow to be the best you can be by seeking out a mentor – perhaps ask someone more senior than you in or someone you admire.

8. Be flexible

Flexibility in the workplace is a top priority these days. Allowing a work from home day every week or fortnight, or offering flexitime allowing a late start or early finish here or there will mean one small step for you and one huge win for your team. Employees want to feel independent and trusted that they’ll do their work. So there’s no need to stand over them with a stopwatch monitoring their every minute. Being flexible and understanding with your team will motivate and empower them. 

9. Don’t point the finger

No one likes to be wrong, but it’s a reality in any workplace and in life. Mistakes happen (from you AND your team) but what’s important is how you deal with it. Instead of scurrying around looking for someone to blame, use your time thinking of a resolution. 

Remember, there’s no magic formula

There is no one-size-fits-all approach for how to be an amazing boss. Each workplace will require different things of you and each manager has to find a style they’re comfortable with. Just remember a simple thing called empathy. Treat people how you would like to be treated, create a culture that you’re excited to be a part of and build a team that values and respect each other. 

Now, go forth and lead.