Managing or leading people especially at work is not a straight forward affair. What works in one setting doesn’t necessarily work in another. It therefore calls for cautious scrutiny in order to be the boss that employees not only respect but look to for direction and inspiration. But who is a good boss? According to experts, good bosses are those who are able to earn respect from their employees, they appreciate and criticise accordingly but also ensure to hold themselves as well as others accountable. They have the interests of the company and those they lead at heart. According to Monster, a global employment website, being a bad boss not only keeps you from moving up the ranks, but it could cost you talented employees, not to mention future job opportunities. Chance Kirezi, a social media manager, says that being a boss doesn’t necessarily require a person to be cold-hearted because at the end of the day they have the same goal with the employees, working for the development of the company. “I have seen bosses acting so tough thinking that they will respect them, but it only creates hate and the urge to disrespect the boss. Employees and the boss are supposed to be a team and respect each other; bosses can create relationships with their employees and still be respected,” she says. Daniel Rubagumya, a technician says that being a boss does not mean being a dictator but a leader who inspires and wants the best for their employees. Being a boss is recognising that anyone can make mistakes, anyone can’t always perform well, and also understanding that they are humans, understanding that being superior doesn’t mean being harsh and rude to employees, you learn every day and make sure your team feels that they belong, he said. Rubagumya also adds that bosses should always think of what influence they have on their employees, if it is a good one or a bad one? That is embracing positive leadership which makes a good boss. According to Monster website, a good boss is clear about expectations. Few things frustrate workers more than feeling like they’ve given their all, only to be told that they didn’t deliver what was expected. “Employees want to feel a sense of accomplishment,” says Nancy Halpern, an executive coach with KNH Associates. “And if you don’t know when youve achieved that, you’re never successful. You’re always left wondering.” So before you assign new projects or tasks, be sure to set clear expectations and follow up with emailed instructions, if necessary. Then, schedule regular check-ins so that you and they are on the same page. The website also suggests finding out what motivates your workers; you will be a more effective boss if you adapt to your employees, rather than expecting your employees to adapt to you. If they’re good employees, they’ll be trying to do the same thing. Some people on your team crave autonomy, others respond well to regular feedback, some will want a very formal relationship with you, while others work better when they feel like they’re your peer rather than in a hierarchical relationship. Giving good feedback is also part of what makes a good boss. Your workers can’t improve their performance if you don’t tell them where they’re going awry, if something isn’t working, tell your employee it isn’t working, and let them know how they can improve, the website shows. And also as a boss, always remember that nothing makes employees feel better than acknowledging their hard work, especially in the day-to-day, while they are grinding it out. They will be happy to keep hitting strict deadlines and burning the midnight oil if they know their efforts are appreciated. You can send a quick email to acknowledge long hours or great work and be sure to single out those efforts in group meetings where their peers and your superiors can hear you singing their praises.
