Best Boss Ever
Have you ever googled the words “Best Boss?” Thousands of images pop up - coffee cups, trophies, t-shirts, lapel pins…you get the idea. It looks like a retail mecca for leaders looking to tout their bestness at bossness. Chances are that many leaders resemble Michael on The Office – not the best boss ever. If you think back on your career, my guess is that the people you would describe as a “Best Boss Ever” are few and far between. That’s a shame.
Let’s be real. Most people are not natural borne leaders. Good leaders generally are people who work at developing the skills needed to be leaders. Many times, organizations promote the best technical expert or individual performer based on the quality of their work. But, those skills aren’t necessarily the same skills needed to lead.
As an executive coach, I see a lot of the same mistakes made in leadership. Let's be real, I've made these mistakes too. If you are looking to take it to the next level as a leader, take some time to reflect whether or not any of these mindsets are holding you back.
Ditch the technical expertise at the door; become vulnerable – many technical leaders use their education and experience as a way to hide. They want to be seen as the smartest, brightest in the room. I know I did. I remember when I was put in charge of a department that I knew nothing about. I couldn’t be the technical expert. I had to learn to marshal the team, rely on other people for answers, and to ask a million and one stupid questions. As a leader, it pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had to learn to communicate up simply. I had to create an environment where it was safe to push back and disagree – because if I didn’t, I would have led the team down the wrong path. I had to be vulnerable and rely on the strength of the team. I think this was one of the most transformative leadership lessons for me.
Work for your team, not the other way around – In many corporations, hierarchy rules. People are so busy looking up that they have permanent cricks in their neck. Or, they are so busy telling people that they are the boss and asserting their authority, they can’t see what is right in front of them. Great leaders support their team members and ask questions like, “How can I help you?” or “What do you need from me?” When things go wrong, they analyze – “What could I have done differently?” They problem solve with their team and ask people for input. Then they help those very same people reach their goals – which includes giving tough feedback when needed. They do these things because they work for their team and want them to excel.
Appreciate what people do, no matter how small – It never ceases to amaze me how powerful a simple “Thank you” or “I appreciate what you did” can be. It’s so simple, but we make it so hard. I once had a leader tell me, "Why should I say thank you to someone for doing their job?" That about floored me. What happens when someone doesn't do their job? Right? Just say it! I have never had saying thank you backfire once.
If you can put these principles into practice, my guess is you might get a different kind of “Best Boss Ever” badge –engaged employees who will go to the ends of the earth for you. And, maybe they might buy you that “Best Boss Ever” mug, but you won't need it.