How to Be A Good Boss

Did you know that today is National Bosses Day? So I thought it would be appropriate to share how to be a good boss.

I know some of you may not have employees - but even if you’re just working for yourself, you’re still a boss and can apply these in your own business - for yourself!

Set Standards

It’s important that your employees know what is expected of them. That means that you have standards of conduct as well as standards for performance. It’s also up to you to find ways to motivate - this is usually done best by understanding employees motivations, not providing blanket motivation. Because what motivates one may not motivate another. But when you have standards - it means that everyone is on the same page and knows what is expected of them.

Focus on Solutions, Not Problems

This is one of my mantras. Rehashing problems usually doesn’t help the situation - so you need to be focusing on what CAN help - the solution. Figuring out what to do to move forward is much better than staying in the past. It also helps employees see how to do better next time. Most of the time people know what they did or what the problem was and don’t need to remain in that mindset - by focusing on the solution you are moving everyone forward and maintaining productivity.

Clear Communication

Before anyone hires someone into their business, I always recommend that they have awesome systems in place. The reason is that systems are good communication - they are the foundation for your business and the processes in your business. When you have systems in place - whether it’s just you or employees - then everyone is on the same page. It makes it simple to clearly communicate what you want done and how. People’s experience and expectations can be vastly different and the only way to overcome these inherent differences is with clear communication.

Acknowledge Good Performance

Don’t forget to lift people up when they do a good job (this includes yourself!) Don’t gloss over achievements and the contribution that your employees are making in your business. This is psychological, when we’re acknowledged for something we generally don’t want to lose that title or admiration, so we continue our good efforts or may even ramp it up a bit. Acknowledging good performance also helps morale and keeps people around, it shows them what is important and meaningful in their work.