What do all the best bosses have in common?
What defines a great manager? Read on for five key character traits that separate the great from the good…
Resilience
While no one wants to work for an emotionless robot, a good team will always need someone who can remain calm when things don’t go well. A reassuring presence that has the power to rub off on the rest of the workforce and instil confidence at an otherwise worrying time. The most resilient leaders identify opportunities at moments of change and make valuable decisions while those around them struggle to make sense of a situation.
Passion
Nothing demotivates a team quite like a lacklustre leader. The managers that welcome new ideas and regularly bring enthusiasm to the office are the most likely to be repaid with a happy and committed workforce. Keeping energy and interest levels high can be a challenge, and the best bosses find new ways to galvanise themselves and others for the task at hand.
Integrity
In a survey by consulting firm Robert Half, 75% of employees rank ‘integrity’ as the most important attribute of a leader. This comes as little surprise, as employees respond well to bosses who treat them fairly and teams work harder for people they trust are doing the right thing for the business. A manager’s code of ethics has the power to inspire confidence in their colleagues, but most importantly, sets a precedent for others to follow.
Transparency
The best bosses communicate their company’s goals and challenges to staff at all levels. By outlining the bigger picture, employees are given a greater sense of purpose. It’s also the perfect way to encourage others to come forward with their own suggestions for impactful strategies. In addition, an open approach helps humanise leaders, those that admit to their mistakes tend to earn the respect of their colleagues.
Innovative
In order for a business to remain competitive or to scale, its leaders must be prepared to take risks. Experimenting is key to gaining an advantage and should be encouraged in the workplace. Welcoming new ideas can also mean embracing failure. The well-intentioned missteps often provide valuable business lessons that could lead to a company’s next big breakthrough.
Image credits: fizkes via iStock & fizkes via iStock
