Attributes and habits of being a good boss – a checklist

They say people don’t leave companies, they leave their bosses. The vice versa is also true. Having good leaders at relevant roles is vital to the success of any organisation. 

Good bosses are needed for a number of reasons. They can:

• Increase employee satisfaction, motivation and performance. When employees feel like they are valued and supported by their boss, they are more likely to be satisfied with their work and motivated to do their best. Good bosses can help employees to develop their skills and knowledge, which can lead to improved performance. They can also provide guidance and support, which can help employees to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. A good boss can create a positive work environment where employees feel comfortable and respected. This can lead to increased productivity and decreased turnover.
• Help the company achieve its goals. Good bosses can help the company achieve its goals by ensuring that the employees stay motivated, creative and productive to go above and beyond what they are expected to accomplish.
• Attract and retain top talent. Employees are more likely to want to work for a company with a good boss. This can help companies to attract and retain top talent, which can lead to a competitive advantage.

Being a good boss involves possessing certain attributes and cultivating effective habits. Here are some key attributes of a good boss:

1) Leadership: 

A good boss should demonstrate strong leadership skills by providing guidance, setting clear goals, and inspiring their team members to achieve their best.

2) Communication: 

Effective communication is essential for a good boss. They should be able to articulate expectations, provide constructive feedback, and actively listen to their employees’ concerns and ideas.

3) Empathy & Respect: 

Showing empathy towards employees helps create a supportive work environment. A good boss understands their team members’ perspectives, acknowledges their feelings, and offers assistance when needed. Respecting employees and their contributions fosters a positive work culture. A good boss values diverse opinions, treats everyone fairly, and recognizes and appreciates their team members’ efforts.

4) Development: 

Good bosses are committed to the development of their employees. They provide opportunities for training and growth, and they help their employees to reach their full potential.

5) Trustworthiness: 

Building trust is crucial for a good boss. They should be honest, reliable, and follow through on their commitments. Trust encourages open communication and collaboration within the team.

6) Adaptability: 

A good boss is flexible and adaptable to change. They embrace new ideas, adjust strategies when necessary, and support their team through transitions.

7) Delegation: 

Effective delegation is a vital skill for a good boss. They should be able to assess their employees’ strengths, assign tasks accordingly, and provide the necessary resources and guidance for successful completion.

8) Accountability: 

A good boss takes responsibility for their actions and decisions. They hold themselves accountable and encourage their team members to do the same. They learn from mistakes and actively work towards improvement.

9) Motivation: 

A good boss knows how to motivate and inspire their team. They recognize achievements, provide positive reinforcement, and create an environment that encourages growth, learning, and innovation. Good bosses celebrate the successes of their employees. They recognize their hard work and accomplishments, and they make them feel valued.

10) Work-Life Balance: 

Promoting a healthy work-life balance is important for a good boss. They encourage employees to maintain a sustainable work routine, prioritise well-being, and foster a supportive atmosphere that respects personal time.

In addition to these attributes, good bosses also have a number of habits that contribute to their success. These habits include:

• Setting clear goals: Good bosses set clear goals for themselves and their team. They communicate these goals to their employees, and they track progress towards them.
• Delegating tasks: Good bosses delegate tasks effectively. They give their employees the authority and resources they need to complete their work, and they provide regular feedback.
• Managing time effectively: Good bosses manage their time effectively. They are able to prioritise tasks, and they are able to work efficiently.
• Problem-solving: Good bosses are good problem-solvers. They are able to identify and assess problems, and they are able to develop and implement solutions.
• Decision-making: Good bosses are good decision-makers. They are able to gather information, weigh options, and make sound decisions.

Keeping the ideas listed above in mind, and in practice – slowly and steadily – has the power to transform many ordinary people into exceptional leaders. For this to happen, a good coach can play a vital role in helping clients stay on their planned path to success.