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Employees will walk over hot coals, figuratively speaking, for a boss they admire and respect. Such leaders can be hard to find, however. If you aren't already over-supplied with them, you can play a role in turning that around. But your own ideas about what makes a good boss might be at odds with your employees' -- and their opinions matter. Robert Goodsell is a seasoned coach on the faculty of leadership consultant WJM Associates who has spent many years studying the matter. He has asked employees to describe the generic characteristics of the "best boss" they have ever had. Their answers fell into four themes. Good leaders: • Treat their subordinates as "valued colleagues." That involves showing respect, trusting subordinates, taking a genuine interest in their opinions and showing a willingness to take risks on their behalf.
• Create an environment that fosters learning and professional growth. Employees experience that when bosses showed patience even though workers made mistakes, viewed mistakes as chances to learn, took time to answer questions and encouraged subordinates to take advantage of training opportunities.
• Set an example. Employees respect bosses who have knowledge, skills, experience and passion that both show their dedication to success and reveal their qualifications for their leadership role.
• Provide structure and guidance. Most workers appreciate concrete goals and expectations, and a vision that inspires them to excel. Some additional characteristics of good leaders as told to Goodsell don't fit into any particular category. Good leaders exhibit high personal integrity, set high expectations, show consistency, empathy, flexibility and maintain an optimistic outlook. What Does it Add Up to? Goodsell's take-aways from his polling include the observation that good leaders are comfortable in their own skin. According to Goodsell, good leaders "have realistically faced their limitations and have found that the gifts and talents that they have are quite sufficient to build a very satisfying life." Transforming Employees Good leaders, he believes, are focused on "lifting up and encouraging others in the service of a worthwhile endeavor." By creating the right environment, leaders transform employees from simply doing what they do to obey orders and protect their paycheck, to people who want to do their best and are largely motivated from within. Unfortunately, such leaders can be hard -- but not impossible -- to find. That means you need to be sure to know what to look for when hiring managers, Goodsell says. "By sensitizing those who do the selection to the value of these characteristics, we can gather evidence from candidates of the extent they have developed these instincts," he suggests. How to do it? One suggestion from Goodsell: Don't limit your questions to the applicant's own triumphs. Also ask managerial job candidates to talk about the success of their subordinates. If the candidate responds with a blank stare, perhaps you need to move on to the next one. Of course, if the candidate comes from within your own organization, be sure to get input from his or her current direct-reports. Transforming someone is harder than hiring smart by knowing what to look for in a good boss when you recruit. But when dealing with an existing situation, "it certainly is possible for a poor leader to become a good leader with the help of a coach." For the full article, click Here. At HR&P we know what drives your company. We have built a reputation on providing exceptional customer service and administrative solutions that help companies improve productivity and profitability. Please give us a call at 281.880.6525 or visit us HERE and we will be happy to talk to you. About HR&P:
Since opening our doors in 2000, HR&P has offered the highest quality human resource outsourcing and payroll services to a diverse pool of clients. By processing your payroll, managing your benefits and overseeing your human resource issues, HR&P makes your workforce flexible and able to meet your changing business demands. Our ongoing goal is to continue to develop specific solutions for each client that suit their particular needs. Contact HR&P:
Name: Human Resources & Payroll (HR&P)
Address: 14550 Torrey Chase, Suite 100, Houston, TX – 77014
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Good Leaders, Leadership, Employee Benefits Administration, Employee Benefits Services, Human Resource Outsourcing, Professional Employer Organization,
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