In your own working career, you’ve probably had both good and bad bosses. Some were perfect leaders, inspiring those working beneath them while bringing the business to unprecedented heights. Others did nothing but breed resentment, ultimately creating a toxic environment in the workplace. Now that you find yourself in a leadership position, you might be asking yourself what marks the difference between these two types of bosses. Here are five key traits that distinguish the dream boss from every worker’s worst nightmare.
Authenticity
When it comes to leadership, there’s nothing so crucial as “keeping it real.” Not only is phoniness easily detectable, but it also leaves a bad taste in a person’s mouth. When you’re a leader, you need to be upfront and honest with your team. Don’t try to hide your weaknesses, and make sure you always tell the truth.
An Ability To Value Others
If you want your team to be successful, you need to identify the positive traits of the people around you. First things first, go into the job recognizing that everybody on the team has something to add. Then, stay on the lookout for these positive attributes. Once you’ve identified what an individual can bring to the table, encourage them to make the best use of their special abilities.
Coaching Ability
The best leaders know how to make everyone around them raise their game. You need to take a personal interest in the people working beneath you, encouraging them and inspiring them to improve themselves each and every day.
The Willingness To Share Leadership
While dictators demand total authority, a good leader lets other people take on their own leadership roles. You might be at the top of the pyramid, but that doesn’t mean you have to micromanage every aspect of every project. Deputizing your colleagues to become leaders will allow your team to work more efficiently. It will also show your assistant leaders that you believe in them, strengthening the relationships at the heart of the company.
Social And Emotional Intelligence
Good leaders are able to relate to the members of their team. They make a point of practicing empathy, and they see their colleagues as people first, workers second.