When you’re a business owner, you are probably either already a boss and a leader, or you will be eventually. Either way, it’s important that you have the necessary qualities that make up a great leader and a great boss. A great boss means great employees, which means great work and continuing business. There are an unbelievable amount of ways to ensure you are being the best you can, as a leader, but here’s a little taste of the secret sauce:
Passionate:
A great boss and leader is very passionate. The passion shows through their work and their actions. When you are trying to motivate your employees to do their best, and you are unenthusiastic and bored about the product or service you are offering, your employees will be too. Let your employees see and feel how passionate you are about your business with the way you approach every situation.
Team Player:
As the business owner, you are busy taking care of many, many responsibilities that your other employees likely don’t have to deal with. However, it’s important that your employees recognize that you are a team player and you are willing to help out wherever necessary. Don’t let your employees feel like they are pulling all the weight, because that is a sure way to get them unmotivated. Instead, let them know you are willing to help even when you are busy, by being available to answer any questions they might have or help them out with an angry customer situation. Trust me, this goes a long way.
Human:
That sounds weird; of course you’re a human. I don’t mean this in the sense of actually being a human. Instead, I mean it’s important for your employees to know that you care about them and you are a friendly boss. Talk with your employees about your weekend, your family, your likes and dislikes, and ask them about theirs. Have compassion toward your employees if someone is experiencing a crisis that is inconvenient for your workplace. You can still keep a professional relationship with your employees, while also ensuring they are happy to be around you and they feel like you actually care about them.
Coaches:
Being the CEO of a company is similar to being the coach of a team. You are the one calling the shots, and you are the one people will look to for help and guidance. Being the coach means you are available to answer questions and provide training, while making sure things are getting done right. Don’t be afraid to address issues and concerns with your employees. Look at it as an opportunity for growth for them, and invite them to do the same. Your employees will gain trust when you are open and honest with them about any issues that need to be changed. On the flip side, always be encouraging and willing to give praise. People, in general, thrive off of being praised and noticed. When your employees know that you respect them and you are pleased with their work, they will continue to increase that level of hard work and competency.
Basically, a great boss is someone who employees can look to for help and encouragement. Don’t let your stress level (I know it’s high!) get in the way of building those positive, trusting and respectful relationships with your employees. Someone who has a positive view of their boss is much more likely to perform positively and want to help them out. I’m sure you’re doing a great job, so keep it up!
For more insights on marketing strategy that actually works for small business, subscribe to the FreshLime Newsletter here. Connect with Jay Bean, Founder of FreshLime and Small Business Marketing Expert on LinkedIn and Twitter. And last of all, if any of these tips have helped you or if you have anything to add please comment below. We’d love to hear from you!