Don't Become the Boss You Hated: Lessons from the Good and the Bad

Getting promoted to a supervisory role is a significant milestone. It’s a chance to lead, to inspire, and to make a positive impact on your team. However, it’s also a moment of reflection. Have you ever worked for a boss you absolutely loved? What was it about them that made you want to work harder, stay later, and go the extra mile? And have you ever worked for a boss you couldn’t stand? What were the traits that made your job miserable?

As you transition into a leadership position, it's crucial to learn from both types of bosses. Here's how you can avoid becoming the boss you hated:

Embrace the Positive Traits of Good Bosses

• Effective Communication: Good bosses are clear, concise, and honest. They keep their team informed and provide regular feedback.

• Empathy and Understanding: They understand that their team members are human beings with lives outside of work. They’re empathetic, supportive, and flexible. They often use humor and are genuinely interested in how their team members are doing.

• Positive Reinforcement: They recognize and reward hard work and achievements. Positive reinforcement can boost morale and productivity.

• Trust and Autonomy: Good bosses trust their team members to do their jobs. They empower them to make decisions and take ownership of their work.

• Leading by Example: They set a positive example for their team. They work hard, meet deadlines, and are always willing to help.

Avoid the Negative Traits of Bad Bosses

• Micromanagement: Constantly checking up on your team members can stifle creativity and productivity.

• Poor Communication: Failing to communicate effectively can lead to confusion, frustration, and resentment.

• Lack of Empathy: Being insensitive to your team’s needs and concerns can damage morale.

• Playing Favorites: Treating some team members better than others can create a toxic work environment and resentment towards the “ favored” team members.

• Toxic Behavior: Being negative, critical, or abusive can demoralize your team and drive away top talent.

• Being Moody: They let external pressures or their feelings impact and justify how they treat others. They're unpredictable; you never know which version of this person you’re going to get on any given day.

The Bottom Line

Take a hard look at the bosses that you and others love working with and strive to model and embody those traits in your own leadership style. Remember, your team members will be looking to you for guidance, support, and inspiration. So let's be the kind of boss that they’ll love to work for!

Helping you Thrive,

Judy

Founder, Selby Strategies

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