We’ve all had them.  The boss we hate to work for.  But what qualities define someone that is good to work for versus someone that you dread dealing with?

As entrepreneurs, we, by our very nature, like control. However, by empowering those that work for us with the tools to succeed and then get out of their way.  That will produce great results.

Interestingly, the same qualities, either negative or positive, define whether we are a boss by position or a leader.

What Great Bosses Practice

• Avoid Micromanaging People

Most people like to exercise the freedom to be creative and use their skill. They don’t like their boss to be involved in every detail of their work.  They like to know the goal and direction and then be let loose.  If you provide them with those guidelines and let your employees be creative on how to achieve those goals, they will be most productive. Also, the main reason people leave a position is lack of ability to be creative.

• Be Consistent

Don’t respond erratically.  No one likes to work for someone that responds inconsistently. You never know how that person is going to respond.  Working for someone who is always reactionary wears on people.  It becomes difficult for your employees to do their best. Don’t be Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

• Be Realistic in Your Expectations

An easy way to end up on the worst boss list is to not clearly communicate why you need certain things done and when.  Just giving tasks and deadlines won’t cut it. The only thing worse than working for someone with unrealistic expectations is working for someone that provides no expectations. Your employees find out they missed the mark after the fact. Over communicate the what and the why to effectively accomplish a task.

• Don’t Spread the Blame, Share Success.

Good leaders don’t “throw people under the bus” when things don’t go right. A good leader accepts that it is their responsibility to ensure good results. A great leader shares the glory when things do go well. They make sure others receive the recognition and don’t just soak up praise.

• Create a Motivating Work Environment.

A leader creates a positive work environment.  They don’t gossip, do things that are unethical, run others down, and create destructive internal competition. They also don’t allow these things in the work place.  A leader also doesn’t sanction incompetence, they deal with problems. If workers have to wear a gas mask to work, good employees won’t stay.

A good leader understands what it takes to motivate people. They allow for creativity. They don’t sanction incompetence, even if it’s family.  They don’t throw people under the bus. They have high levels of communication. They share the glory and absorb the blame.  They understand that leadership takes work and rarely use positional power.

Questing of the week:  “Without naming names, what are three words that describe the worst and best boss you have ever had?”

Quote of the week: “In the past a leader was a boss. Today’s leaders must be partners with their people… they no longer can lead solely based on positional power.” – Ken Blanchard