The boss you don’t want to be:
- The paranoid boss that fears what others are saying about her. She turns co-workers and team members into adversaries and enemies.
- The political boss that can’t make tough decisions. You can’t go all-in on half-way decisions.
- The loudmouth boss that intimidates everyone. It’s her way or the highway. You conform but don’t bring your best.
- The talkative boss that adores his own voice. He never listens so he never learns.
7 things my imperfect boss did right:
I worked for a larger than life leader with many imperfections. I loved him because he was real.
#1. You knew what he thought, and where you stood.
“The biggest cowards are managers who don’t let people know where they stand.” Jack Welch
#2. He provided opportunities to grow and showed you how to be better – in no uncertain terms.
Not everyone could tolerate his candor, but it made me better.
#3. He expected performance AND got dirty with you.
#4. He bought lunch.
#5. He was loud AND caring.
He was intimidating, but his big heart made up for it.
If you’re imperfect, at least be caring.
#6. He got to know people. He visited my home and knew my family.
#7. He honored quality work.
I wanted to do good because he respected good work and let me know.
What are some fatal flaws for leaders?
What helps leaders overcome their imperfections?
Bonus material:
What Great Managers Do (hbr.org)
The 7 Things Great Managers Do Differently | G&A Partners (gnapartners.com)
—
This post was previously published on Leadership Freak with a Creative Commons License.
***
If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project and want a deeper connection with our community, please join us as a Premium Member, today.
All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.
—
Photo credit: iStock
