Managing People 101: Be a Good Boss!
By Colleen Kettenhofen
"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." -Winston Churchill
Most of the leadership programs and teambuilding trainings I conduct consist of managers, supervisors, and executives. Sometimes there are engineers, meeting planners, and nurses attending. Other times it's administrative assistants, salespeople, and even students in a leadership role. Hence, I've come up with the phrase, "leadership at all levels" because no matter what your position, if you're in charge of managing people, you are a boss--even if you're supervising people who serve in a voluntary position and aren't paid.
As some of you are aware, my book Secrets Your Boss Isn't Telling You, is based on in-depth conversations with more than 200 managers, supervisors, top executives and CEOs. Not to mention my own experience managing people. In it, I reveal hot topics such as the biggest frustrations of bosses guaranteed to get you fired, the top 10 things most employees don't know or do to keep their bosses happy, and more. After the book was published, I was frequently interviewed by radio hosts. I'd emphasize that being an exemplary employee goes both ways. In other words, those who are managing people need to be successful role models. Good bosses that others look up to and want to emulate and follow.
What are the "secrets" your employees aren't telling you? I've conducted research on this during my leadership programs and teambuilding trainings. It doesn't matter whether you're supervising employees or all volunteers in your spare time, or you're a student leader, or a parent. Being a good boss goes beyond managing people; it's about the traits, qualities and characteristics your staff members want to see in you. Here they are:
1. Trustworthiness, integrity, and honesty. In my leadership programs and teambuilding trainings, I keep things engaging and interactive. I break people into groups and have them share with each other what they consider to be the top traits that leaders in their organization or association need to possess. Afterwards, we have a group discussion. Not surprisingly, at the top of the list is trustworthiness, integrity, and honesty.
2. Excellent communicator. It's not just important that leaders have a plan, but that they can successfully communicate what it is to their people. Lately, "excellent communicator" has ranked higher than average in my leadership programs. Why? There's so much change in the workplace--and in everyday life for that matter--that it's imperative for leaders to communicate their vision and get everyone on board. Make sure you state how you intend to execute your plan. Give your people a clear path forward. In group discussions, participants tell me all the time they want to know two things about their bosses. First, that he or she has a vision. Second, a strategy for how they're going to execute that plan.
3. Inspirational. In managing people, be inspiring by tying your goals and objectives--your vision--to the values and priorities of your staff. Start by really listening to them. Get to know them. Find something interesting or positive that you can sincerely compliment them on, and they'll know you care. This can be especially motivational if you're in upper management or even the owner of the company. It makes people feel valued and special to know that "big, big boss" care about them! Trust me. I know. I hear it all the time.
4. Supportive, caring. When I ask people (many of them are managers themselves) what traits they think are most important for being a good boss, they'll often say, "I like knowing my manager has my back." The other words that consistently crop up are supportive, caring and being a good listener.
5. Open-minded, flexible. Aside from conducting leadership programs and teambuilding trainings, the second most requested topic I speak on is managing change. With all the uncertainty in the workplace--and in the world--it's no wonder that having a boss who is open-minded and flexible to change ranks in the top five.
A good boss is a great role model through change and adversity. If a leader expects his or her people to be open-minded and positive about change, it starts at the top.
Lastly, leadership is at all levels--whether you're an inspirational, supportive and caring role model for a friend going through a tough time, or an employee representing your company in your community, or a parent wanting to be a positive example.
"Management is all about managing in the short term, while developing the plans for the long term." -Jack Welch
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About Colleen Kettenhofen, Leadership Expert
An internationally recognized award-winning speaker, Colleen is the author of the book, Secrets Your Boss Isn't Telling You, as well as 10 unique audio programs, available at www.BounceBackHigher.com
Known as "The Queen of from Trouble to Turnaround," Colleen has delivered more than 1,100 entertaining programs before thousands in 48 states and five countries. She has served as a keynote speaker for conferences, corporate meetings, associations, Native-American tribes, and non-profits. Colleen is available for speaking, coaching, and consulting by calling (623)340-7690.
