October 16 is National Boss’s Day. Never heard of it? We’ll fill you in. Boss’s Day is an unofficial holiday dedicated towards appreciating our mentors, managers, and employers for all that they do. While some might criticize this holiday as being unnecessary or forced, others look forward to Boss’s day as a chance to show much-deserved appreciation and recognition for their superiors. If we had to guess, your feelings about Boss’s Day might hinge on your opinion of your boss!
This got us thinking, what qualities constitute a great boss? Sure, there are plenty of bad bosses to go around. In fact, a recent Gallup study found that 50% of those who have voluntarily quit a job did so to get away from a bad boss. So what makes a leader so exceptional that their employees actually want to celebrate them?
We came up with a list of 7 qualities that we think great leaders tend to share.
1. Communicates Well
A great boss tends to be an excellent communicator. Not only are they able to clearly articulate their vision, goals, and expectations, but more importantly, they are able to actively listen to their employees’ ideas and solutions.
2. Has a Clear Strategic Vision
An effective leader outlines a clear strategy and set of expectations for their team. This helps guide and inform how their team works. It also enables them to collaborate, work efficiently, and remain on the same page.
3. Empowers Others
A great boss trusts and supports their team. Rather than micromanaging every aspect of their work, they encourage them to take ownership over projects, think outside of the box, and constantly question how things could be done better.
It’s one thing to simply give orders to a team. It’s another to challenge them, praise them, and give constructive criticism. A great leader understands the strengths and weaknesses of their workers and how to best help them learn and grow.
According to Forbes.com, almost 80% of people who quit their jobs do so because of “lack of appreciation.” On that note, a great manager knows how to give credit when credit is due. They know to never underestimate the power of positive reinforcement and the importance of making their team feel appreciated.
There’s greater power in numbers, and an exceptional boss gets this. Rather than be the ultimate decision-maker, they make sure to collaborate with others on their team to get the best end-result. They don’t assume that their way is the only right way.
Finally, an effective leader always treats everyone equally. Regardless of any factor, whether it’s experience, seniority, or background, they make sure to give each team member the same amount of respect and attention.
The grumbles surrounding Boss’s Day are understandable. Not everyone has an exceptional boss to celebrate, and they should by no means feel obligated to do so. However, if you find that your manager reflects these 7 characteristics, Boss’s Day might be just the holiday for you.
