Are You A Great Boss?

Did you know the primary reason for employees either leaving or staying at their job is due to their boss?

Would you consider yourself to be a good leader? Ask yourself the following questions and see how you rate:

1. As a good boss, you sit down with your employees to discuss job goals and expectations, outcomes and results and over all job performance.

Discussions with your employees are not only held when it's review time but on a regular basis, even informally, to provide positive feedback and constructive criticism. 

2. Communication with your employees is clearly important to you to avoid misinterpretations and errors while employees are performing on the job.

Finding out what aspect of the job your employees most enjoy and utilizing those strengths and skills is a great way to foster creativity and innovation.

3. You classify yourself as a great boss because you lead by example.

Don't behave or say things in following proper procedures that would be inappropriate for your employees if they were to follow suit. You don't want to relay negative messages by stating, "that's what HO wants" as this doesn't encourage your employees to want to follow through on the requirements as set forth.

4. As a good boss, you don't assume that your employees know everything and you continue to provide coaching and training where needed.

You are a source of knowledge and an inspiration to your employees. You are looked up to and respected for your professionalism and the work you do. You know that quality leads to quantity. Your employees will work harder if they have the resources and knowledge they require to perform on the job efficiently and effectively.

5. Giving your employees the freedom to perform their job responsibilities is essential to you and being available to them or making your presence known is important.

Remember not to micro-manage your employees - if you find yourself having to constantly be looking over someone's shoulder, there is a larger issue at hand that needs to be dealt with.

6. You create an environment where integrity, trust and respect are vital.

You are comfortable delegating responsibilities to your employees because you trust them. As well, to show respect, it's important as a great boss to provide employees with your undivided attention when they require your help and assistance. Stop what you are doing and take time to listen to what your employees are relaying to you.

7. As a great boss, when you are having to discuss issues with your employees, you are direct yet sensitive and do what you can to understand the view point of the employee.

Use mistakes as learning tools and motivate your employees by appealing to their skills and knowledge in order to come up with effective solutions.

8. You encourage your employees to use strategic thinking and go the extra mile when dealing with day-to-day requirements as well as handling issues.

When problems do arise, encourage your employees to come to you with probable solutions to issues rather than just relying on you to always resolve. Certainly don't be threatened by employees who may know more than you either. Rather, encourage it and learn from this yourself.

9. As a great boss, you know that recognition goes a long way with your employees.

Recognition tells your employees that you have taken notice of their hard work and efforts. Give employees credit for their successes and share with other employees to encourage the same behaviours and outcomes from others.

10. Always finish meetings with employees on a positive note.

As a great boss, you never let your employees leave your office or a meeting feeling disgruntled or frustrated. Rather, you ensure you have given the issue at hand the attention it requires and have shown the employee that coming to terms is in the best interest of all parties.