What Makes a good Boss?

According to Rob Sheehan, director of executive education at the James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership at the University of Maryland, “Being a good boss is important in any organization, but it is particularly important for small business. With smaller businesses, you really have the opportunity to set the tone for the entire company.” There are several characteristics, qualities, and attitudes that seem to be common among executives that are seen as “good bosses” by their employees. These include:

* Including all levels of workers in decision making

* Concentrating on the company’s mission, not only its ability to make money

* Demonstrating the value of learning new skills

* Encouraging employees to advance their careers

* Setting an example of a positive attitude and work ethic

Assigning Responsibilities

The organization of your small business will be determined by your determination of who should be doing what and when – to put it differently, assigning tasks and responsibilities to your employees. At the center of any organization are its individuals and those individuals have to know what is expected of them in order to perform satisfactorily. Usually a small business will begin with a few (perhaps even one) person(s) performing all the day-to-day functions. Nevertheless, as the business grows it will be necessary to employ others to perform particular tasks within the firm. As a manager, you’ll be required to recognize when new needs emerge and to hire the appropriate personnel to address these needs.

Business Teams

You shouldn’t be the only one accountable for the success of your small business. The ultimate in organization is the formation of a business team that permits you to assign authority and, consequently, improve productivity. Your business team should consist of those workers who’re in charge of the major capabilities of your organization

. To be efficient, a business team should have a leader that’s respected by all of the team members. In return, the leader should respect all of the member’s individual abilities. A team spirit ought to be apparent as each member uses his or her strengths to pay for the weaknesses of others.

Mistakes in the workplace ought to result in correction not retribution. Every member of the team ought to realize their own significance to the business and feel free to explore other areas of activity.

Communication

Tips for Employers

A 2001 study analyzing 20,000 exit interviews revealed that the most common reason that individuals leave a job situation is poor supervision – essentially, they’d a bad boss. Most likely the biggest factor contributing to the perception of poor leadership seemed to be poor communication skills. How can you as an employer enhance your communication with your employees? Try out a couple of of the following ideas:

1) Listen. Actually pay attention to what your employees are saying. As simple as this sounds, try this exercise; Tape a conversation then after you’ve finished communicating, try typing as much as you can of what the other person said. When you are finished, play the tape whilst reading your notes. See how accurate you’re listening and memory is.

2) Designate particular times to satisfy with your employees one-on-one at least twice a month. Not permitting interruptions during these meetings will convey to them that they have your undivided attention and that you value their input.

3) When changes are going to have to be made in the workplace, allow those affected know as soon as possible. Tell them personally and do not let them find out through the grapevine.

4) Let your employees know what you stand for. When they are aware of your value system, they’ll be able to make better decisions, or at least decisions that will be more pleasing to you.

5) Let your employees understand how they are doing regularly. Do not allow an employee find out that they are not doing up to your standards at their yearly performance review.

6) Improve your public speaking skills. Your credibility with your employees is directly tied to your ability to convey information to them successfully.

7) Don’t use e-mail to do your dirty work. Whenever a situation entails strong emotions, it ought to be dealt with in person.

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