A few weeks ago, I wrote about the “Worst Boss Ever List”. This week I want to look at the flip side.  What it takes to be on the “Best Boss Ever” list.

The good news is the men and women that work for you don’t expect someone with a super-hero cape or gold plated resume.  If you follow these five steps, you will be well on your way to success.

5 Steps to the Best Boss Ever List

• Know the work you are engaged in.

It seems so basic. You would think that someone in leadership would be very knowledgeable of the work needing done.  However, many could tell stories of the boss that didn’t have the first clue about the work.  They were hired for other reasons, great interviewer, academic accomplishments, or some other reason that doesn’t relate to the work being done.

What a bad situation.

Most want a boss that is competent or has a plan to learn the work quickly.  This is the foundation that will propel you to the “Best Boss Ever” list.

• Respect the People that do the work.

Those on the “Best Boss Ever” list know the value of the work and the men and women doing the work.  They value people as crafters of value, not just automatons. A culture of respect creates an environment were good people can thrive.

It’s no wonder that respect leads to step three.