If you are lucky, you have had a boss in your professional experience that stood out as a strong leader. The job of managing others effectively is not easy, and it takes time to become a leader that others respect and look up to. While what makes a good boss is somewhat difficult to define, there are a few traits that history has shown strong leaders to possess.
Decisiveness
Strong leaders are decisive when it comes to making difficult decisions. Trusting your gut while also considering the facts is an importance balance to have. While the decision may not always be a popular one, employees will respect a boss who sticks to their guns and follows through.
Fairness
Office drama and politics can be toxic. A boss that steers clear of the gossip and focuses on the big picture is proven to be a good leader. Being fair to employees, no matter what level, is an important trait to have.
Integrity
As a boss, you are in the spotlight much more than your employees. Because of this, exercising integrity is vital. Whether you are working at an immigration ads firm or in the restaurant business, employees want to know that their boss is dependable. Being careful of your actions can help to gain trust among your staff.
Genuine Care
If you don’t genuinely care about your work and employees, it is nearly impossible to be a strong leader. Taking the time to help your staff grow in their careers will not go unnoticed. A boss that cares about their job sets an example for how employees view their work as well.
Humility
Just because you’re the boss doesn’t mean you get to be cocky. There is a fine line between confidence and cockiness, and a good boss can possess both confidence and humility. Understanding that you do not hold all of the answers and that other perspectives are necessary in finding solutions will have a positive impact on your leadership and your company.
Listening
Similar to humility, taking the time to listen to employees needs and suggestions is an important trait in a leader. This type of listening is not limited to feedback, it also requires the leader to take a step back and listen to the actions of their team.
Sharing Leadership
Empowering others in your team to help you make important decisions can be especially beneficial in any work environment. If different teams and voices are heard and considered in making company-wide decisions, the likeliness of them being supported is much higher.
