Looking to become the kind of boss whom employees want to follow and who gets amazing results from his team? Cross the threshold from "good" to "great" boss by focusing on these five key areas:
1. Leading by example
Nobody respects a hypocrite. A boss who wants improvements from her team, whether that change is better preparation for meetings or greater creativity when tackling problems, needs to be a role model.
"Don't just talk the talk; walk the walk, too," says Tracy A. Cashman, partner and general manager of the information technology group at Winter, Wyman, one of the largest staffing firms in the Northeast. "If your team sees that you are truly committed to something through your actions, they will be much more likely to buy in."
Likewise, it is important to demonstrate that accountability is expected at all levels. "If you make a mistake, don't be afraid to admit it," Cashman says. "And then make it a lesson: What did you learn? How did you recover from it? That shows you to be a much bigger person than pretending you're perfect."
2. Communicating effectively
Employees can't perform up to their full potential if they are not given clear information. Besides providing the basics such as expectations and due dates, a great boss helps his team see the bigger picture.
"Make sure your people know why they are doing what they are doing. If there isn't 100 percent understanding and belief, then you will get less than 100 percent effort," says Stuart Coleman, partner and general manager of financial contracting at Winter, Wyman.
3. Demonstrating concern
Workers like to know that their boss cares about them. Taking time to inquire about a recent vacation or express good wishes over a child's graduation shows an interest in the person's life outside the office.
"Research has shown over and over again that we like working with people we think care about us personally. That means listening, and that means asking questions to get to know who we are at a deeper level," says Alan Vengel, a consultant on workplace issues and author of "Twenty Minutes to a Top Performer" and "The Influence Edge."
Concern for people as workers is important, too. An employee who knows that his boss has his best interests at heart and is willing to go to bat for him will tend to reciprocate that loyalty.
"We want a sense that our boss will help us get ahead," Vengel says. "That does not mean promotion or more money; what it really means is helping us to develop our skills and our competencies."
4. Showing appreciation
Employees like to know that their efforts are recognized. A boss who takes a moment to give genuine kudos on a job well-done or to thank someone for putting in overtime demonstrates that she is observant and willing to give credit where it is due.
Note, though, that some forms of gratitude are more effective than others. "High performers have enough coffee mugs. Don't reward your top people with meaningless clutter like balloons, mugs or paperweights," says Martha Finney, an employee engagement consultant and author of "The Truth about Getting the Best from People." "Reward them with the knowledge that they've been noticed and appreciated for their contributions. Ask them to share their knowledge and techniques with the rest of the team. Give them extra training around a skill they want to build. If you must give them a gift, make it something that shows you see them as individuals, not just a task to cross off your to-do list."
5. Setting a good tone
Lastly, remember that people are inclined to put forth their best when they are in a positive environment. Helping workers to feel good about their workplace and their role in it can lead to wonderful results.
"The emotional tone you set with your team does more than simply make your people happy. It makes them productive and creative," Finney says." Studies show that relaxed and happy employees are more likely to reach a little further for creative and innovative alternatives to business challenges. An optimistic emotional tone in your team starts with you, and ends with a significant competitive edge."
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source msnCareers
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