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[Greg]

What do you consider to be good qualities of a boss?  I realize they have the responsiblity of managing employees and the stress making sure the business is running smoothly, but what qualities should they possess to maintain a productive working envirnment?   

[attagirl]

Hmm this is a very good question. Yes you are right they do have the responsibility to make sure that things are going as they should be. I think that a good boss, needs to be able to listen, be open minded. Now they to be understanding, and remember and accept things that might have been told in an interview. Let me explain: I specially told a boss that I have a special needs child, that would require frequent doctor visits during business (work) hours and that there could be times that I would just need to leave (spur of the moment) to attend to things going on at school with my child (if they were to call). I was hired even after I told them this, so I expected them to be understanding when it did occur. Well they were not and told me if I left, they would consider that I quit. So I had no other choice, my child came first.

[Tammy]

I think that they need to be honest and to model the behaviours that they are recommending to their team. 

One thing I hate is when a boss demands one thing but does something different.  Take attendance - that they make you turn up for work on time every day no matter what and yet they 'work from home' when the mood takes them.

[Chevy]

Personally, I think a boss is in a very difficult position. Yes, s/he must be understanding and a little bit flexible with employees and scheduling, but s/he must also be able to set clear limits that apply to all the employees so it doesn't seem like there is favoritism in the office. A boss should also be able to set clear expectations for projects, and be available when an employee needs assistance or clarification. A boss should be prepared to stand behind his employee in a sticky situation but also follow up in private if s/he thinks the employee was in the wrong. In short a boss should be approachable but yet a clear figure of authority. Easy enough, right? 

[Serious]

I wouldn't disagree with you Chevy.

I do think, however, if they are clear about boundaries but open to feedback the job can be a bit easier for them.  If the team respect them then it goes a lot smoother.

[ftdale]

Far as I'm concerned, the best boss is one who leads by example. Talking about it and motivation and blah, blah is all fine, but when you have a boss who's working a lot harder than you, there's nothing like it. For example, someone tells the boss that something can't be done. Instead of a flowchart or a lecture, the boss rolls up his sleeves and shows the guy how it's done. A boss you respect is ten times worth one who you can have a drink with.

[Chevy]

Instead of a flowchart or a lecture, the boss rolls up his sleeves and shows the guy how it's done. A boss you respect is ten times worth one who you can have a drink with.

Ah, this is a very good point! I think it's very important that the boss is able to show his employees that he knows how to do the job and is still willing to do it when they need his help.

[Greg]

To be a good boss you have to be a good listener.  Employees want someone who will listen to their thoughts, ideas, and complaints.  A good boss should also be someone who encourages others to strive for excellence and better themselves.  People want to feel as though they are achieving a goal and will be rewarded for their performance.  Team work is very important.

[simacaj]

I would say that being a good boss would require a lot.  First think you have to be able to understand people. What I mean by this is that many bosses don't understand that people have a personal life and the sometimes this could affect how they perform at work.  Also I think that a boss must understand that each person has different personalities.  Some require more attention while others you can give a project to and they can handle it.  A boss must be able to stand their own ground in certain situations.

[Simonsays]

There are many things that can make a good boss, but sometimes it takes not being their friend to make it happen. you need to make sure that all is kept professional.

[Timber]

I had a great experience with a boss who was very concerned about a tragic event that I was going through outside the work place.  They were there for me when I was feeling down and offered advice on how to get through my problems.  I'm sure many people may think this type of boss was overly sensitive, but instead it created a feeling of unity with in the work environment.

[Spinner]

Yes, being a good boss requires that you are able to relate to your employees and be there for them during difficult times.  However, this can back fire on a boss.  There is always the possibility of being too friendly.  When this happens, employees no longer see you as a leader.  Instead they see you as their equal and will quickly try to manipulate their boss.  This may not happen in all circumstances, but you should be aware of it.

[mphcoach]

Oh boy - I'm way better at this than when I was a manager!

• Build relationships with your people
• Listen and really hear what's being said
• Listen much more than you tell
• Be consistent with everyone
• Have no favorites
• Have very clear expectations of people, well explained
• Be trusted and confidential, where expected
• Coach, support, develop and grow your people
• Treat your employees precisely how you would want to be treated yourself (double-check that's enough)
• Accept feedback yourself and give it too, positive and constructive, regularly
• Accept that you make mistakes sometimes and share them with your people
• Let people make mistakes themselves and help them learn from them
• Let them have fun and help them know when too far is too far!
• Dig in and help at the sharp end when it matters
• Treat your people as real people and understand that sometimes, just sometimes, their work isn't the most important thing on their mind
• Be a model in all you do

Maybe I missed a couple...let me know!

Regards

Martin
http://www.Coaching-Businesses-To-Success.com

[misch.chief]

being there to boost morale in bad times, rally in slack times and to praise in good times

[Nickh]

I think we all have an idea of how we would like to be treated at work and it’s important as a boss to be understanding and sensitive to your employees. In my personal opinion keeping a friendly, personal but professional relationship seems to work!