A two-part series
This is a two-part series, where we will be introducing a
new management concept and will go into further detail in the second post. Based
on 44 ½ years of managerial and entrepreneurial experience, first please pause
and self-reflect on the following question: what kind of boss are you?
It is no secret that the success of a company begins with
the persons in the leadership positions. It is their job to make the tough
calls, take the risks, pay attention to the finances and hire the appropriate
people to keep generating profit. Capitalism
requires profitability for every organization to survive.
Though the risks and the finances are all a part of the intricate game of business, the people that make up every company are what generate the actual business, and thus their happiness is a key (I’d argue the most important) ingredient in your success. It’s important to keep them happy, motivated and effective.
The responsibility that accompanies your current job title
may have you operating on autopilot but how often do you take a step back and
focus solely on your employees? Do you ask yourself if they are happy with your
performance? Do you ask yourself if you are helping them grow their talents and
reaching their highest potential? If the answer is no or maybe, I’d like you to
think on the kind of boss you believe your employees believe you to be:
Are you the “Authoritative
Boss,” that has a flair for drama, remains suspicious of others, and rarely
communicates with your employees? (Think Don Draper from Mad Men)
Are you the “Narcissistic
Boss,” hugely self-entitled and ruthlessly critical with little empathy and
opposed to feedback? (Think Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada)
Are you the “Everyman
Boss,” likeable and sometimes inappropriate, managing from the nice guy and
often times, not being the effective leader? (Think Steve Carrell from The Office)
Are you the “Autocratic
Boss,” large and in charge, cruel to an extent and rather frightening to
your employees? (Think Marlon Brando from The
Godfather)
If you identify with any of these four categories, I say
congratulations, you’re a boss, but now I’d like you to toss away the
preconceived notion of what that title means and adopt the idea of being a coach
instead.
You must be asking yourself, “What is he talking about?” You
see, the distinction between being a boss and being a coach may seem small, but
it means the world to the people who work for you!
Bosses who take on the role of “The Coach” take the time
to uncover the true value of their employees;
they dedicate themselves to growing human potential and fostering
talent, encouraging success, which ultimately leads to maximizing team performance
and success.
These managers focus on improving their employees’ performance through education and tapping into their interests; they encourage self-belief and reap the rewards of their employees’ new found confidence.
These managers focus on improving their employees’ performance through education and tapping into their interests; they encourage self-belief and reap the rewards of their employees’ new found confidence.
When deciding what kind of boss you want to be, try and be the “Best Boss” -- the person who
handles management and employees efficiently, who inspires positive vibes in
the work place and who motivates every single employee every single day by
building mutual respect; you will inspire your employees to trust in you, in
your talents, and in your ability to handle any situation and produce positive
results in any circumstance.
Next on the series:
Be a Coach…Not a Boss.
Thanks for reading!
-
DBK.
