A boss, by definition, is a person in charge of a worker or an organization. Truth be told, everyone has someone over them. No matter how high you go on the ladder, someone is overseeing you to some degree. The CEO even takes direction from the board. The craftsman who works alone must see to it that his customers are satisfied – taking their suggestions into account. The teacher under the principle and the list goes on.
Conversely, most all of us have someone under us in some way or another. This may be obvious if you have people working for you – either volunteer or paid positions. But even if you do not, you can more than likely assess your lives and in some sense find a place where you would be considered the boss. I was often the “boss” as the oldest brother. I would be given charge over a project to accomplish around house, even as a kid. As I become older, I was given charge of the being the leader of others – sometimes one or two and other times several.
I recently picked up a book called More Than A Bucket List, which includes all kinds of inspirational quotes and thoughts. One quick list included these ten ways to be a better boss and I thought you may like this list:
- SERVE
- LISTEN
- REWARD WISELY
- RESPOND PROMPTLY
- EARN TRUST
- ENGAGE DIRECTLY
- SHOW COMPASSION
- BE CONSISTENT
- COMMUNICATE PURPOSE OFTEN
- SHARE OPPORTUNITY
1, 2, 4, 7 10 all seem to line up with what Jesus said in John 13: if anyone wants to be great, he must be servant of all.
3, 6, 8, and 9 all center around being a strong, confident leader. Even if you are a boss over volunteers who work with you, it’s good to take a strong approach to leading so that people know where you are going – together.
5, 9, 8, and 6 are all items on the list that require time. Growth in your organization or situation doesn’t typically come overnight – it requires a commitment.
All these items on this list are more about the attitude toward others than about the boss. It’s common sense, really. The more we care for those with whom we work or serve, the better the relationship and the more productive things become.
If you had to circle one of these areas to grow in as a boss, which one would you circle?
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