It is often said ‘people don’t leave companies, they leave bad bosses’. Although there is surely a lot of truth in there, I believe it’s a bit more complex than just this simple statement. What truly intrigues me though, is understanding the qualities that define a good boss, or even better, a great boss
Personally, I don’t like the word ‘boss’. It’s so … bossy 😉. Neither do I like ‘supervisor’…. I don’t need to be watched over…. I prefer the term ‘manager’. Or teamlead.
Typically, you come across traits for a great manager like "availability without micromanaging," "supportiveness," "listening skills," and "coaching abilities." “Empowering” as well.
I believe that expectations for a great manager evolve over time. There's no fixed definition. it evolves depending on one’s job experience, industry familiarity…. An adept manager knows when to provide direction or autonomy, when to be demanding yet supportive, and how to balance immediate results with future vision. And expectations evolve as also an individual evolves.
Still, there are for me 2 consistent traits of a great manager : First of all, a great manager lets me grow. Foster growth. Challenges me and encourages me to try different things. Puts high standards. And also continues to believe in me even in setbacks. Honest and constructive feedback, a concept I wrote about before, also plays a vital role.
And secondly, a great manager makes me feel I matter and that my work matters. Because, ultimately, it is part of every individuals fundamental desire to show ones value, and the desire to ‘be of significance’.
Throughout my professional career, I’ve had diverse managers. I only just now realise, that up till now, all my manager have been male …. I wonder, would I perceive a female manager being different? There's a general notion that female leadership differs from male leadership, no?
Well, I’m a woman… I’ve led numerous teams. Do I lead differently than my male colleagues?!
Honestly, I've found team leadership one of the most challenging aspects of my role. Balancing various personalities and accommodating individual differences is quite a responsibility.
Presently, I'm not in a team-leading position, a pause which turns out quite welcome. I experience this gives me the chance to observe other managers' approaches without immediately comparing them to my own. I've frequently asked myself the question 'am I a good teamlead?'. The answer is likely a mix of yes and no. Reflecting on my definition of a ‘great boss’, I acknowledge there have been instances where I fell short. I could have been more attentive on the person. More conscious. More coaching also. And fostering even more an an open dialogue regarding individual aspirations and personal development.
So will I do it differently, next team I lead?
I think so.
I mostly remember:
A great boss starts with self-awareness
You may find following interesting read :
Book "Give and take" by Adam Grant
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