How to be a Respected and Trusted Boss

During training for a large organization over a number of years I often conducted a communication game called "tell a story about a good boss - or - bad boss". It was basically a communication exercise however the stories revealed some interesting facts regarding staff expectations about their bosses.

Here is a summary from the sessions and the list of attributes that individuals were looking for in their boss to consider him/her as a good leader.

Normal or a Regular Person - being culturally compatible with the staff under their supervision by understanding and respecting the cultural norms of the group that they are both responsible for… and more importantly, responsible to.

Organized and Effective - being well managed in their own personal work and being able to meet their own deadlines such as being on time for meetings and personal customer calls... and able to allocate their own time effectively.

Trainer and Educator - facilitating the constant growth of expertise and personal development of the staff by showing them what a ‘good’ job looks like and by guiding them to achieve success. Just preaching just doesn't cut it, bosses have to truly "walk the talk".

Transparent and Open - letting staff know what is going on with them (the boss), why they are acting in a certain way and what is influencing the decisions that are being taken. There is a great course I conducted in this called "Situational Leadership II" (TM) which stresses the need to show why 'we are behaving in a particular manner' to the staff.

Reliable and Predictable - constantly living by the adage of, ‘saying what they will do and then doing what they say’… without exception. Obviously along with that leaders must say what they won't do... and then make sure they do not do it.

Impressive and Outstanding - presenting themselves as a professional in the way they act, speak, dress and in their general demeanor in public and particularly in the presence of customers and competitors. Preaching to the staff about how to behave then not behaving in a 'boss like manner' can really lose the staff's respect. (Not to mention what it will do to the customers and suppliers.)

Consistent and Even Handed - being reasonably predictable in personal and business habits and work methods and by not changing the ‘operating procedures’ without consultation and agreement. Change is inevitable however it needs to be discussed, explained and understood by all parties involved.

Knowledgeable and 'Wise' - possessed of some area of technical expertise that the staff can relate to as relevant to the position we are holding, without necessarily being the top expert. At least senior managers need to know enough about the technical areas of their role not to be conned by the 'technical experts'. If not they need to have a sound group of technical advisers they can check the facts with.

Fair and Even Handed - being equitable in their dealings with those they are managing by avoiding favorites and demonstrating willingness to discipline in private and praise in public. One of the greatest 'sins' a leader/boss can commit is to berate a staff member in public. I live an work in Asia and unfortunately in some companies I have seen here it happens quite regularly. Loss of face leads to loss of support and often something even more damaging active 'white-anting' or outright revolution. In reality nine times out of ten Its the followers that fire the boss (or set it up), even if its the boss's boss that pulls the trigger.

Accessible and Open - making themselves available to listen to and help solve problems, give ideas, act as a coach or mentor, settle disputes and provide support for staff needing resources. A bosses primary role is to get the staff the resources they need to to do their job. Oh yes and no hiding in the office or deferring difficult staff problems to the HR department.

Competent and Skilled - knowing what needs to be done, by whom, by when and how to bring to bear the necessary resources. Well this goes without saying you would think... in my experience incompetence is one of the greatest failings of many managers... particularly in the organizational areas of their role.

Ethical and honorable - placing the interest of the group, the company, the customers and the community ahead of any personal desires and by not operating a personal agenda. (Now how many bosses have you met in your career with this level of personal integrity?)

Disciplined and Committed - being calm in times of crisis and by remaining focused on what needs to be done and by constantly working towards the group and organization goals.

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