What Kind of Boss Are You?

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.

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.