Eight Little Secrets of Being a Good Boss
Here are eight little secrets that every new leader needs to know.
1.You're not really their friend anymore
In fact, most workers said their greatest hesitation about becoming the boss would be supervising their friends and the resulting change in the water cooler culture.
"This is uncomfortable because suddenly, the boss can't ignore a teammate's weaknesses or poor performance, and harder still, many bosses are responsible for employees' pay," Concelman says. The new manager has to hold his or her former peers accountable - and treat the whole team equally, friend or not.
2.It's not your jokes they're laughing at
Your team actually compares you to prime-time boss caricatures such as "You're Fired" real estate mogul Donald Trump, domestic diva Martha Stewart or "Lost's" reluctant leader Jack Shepherd, according to the most recent Badbossology survey.
These famous bosses poke fun at the most extreme examples and serve as fodder for workplace gossip. New bosses need to be effective from day one to prevent being 'Dilberted,' according to Concelman.
"Once you've been tagged as the pointy-haired boss, it takes a lot of time and effort to recover respect," he says.
3.Your suspicions are right - employees are wasting time
But it's because they're complaining about you! Nearly one third of all employees spend at least 20 hours a month lamenting about the boss, which adds up to a lot of negative energy.
"This is the kryptonite that sucks away a manager's power, and it can't be ignored," Concelman says.
It is best addressed head-on after identifying if it is truly a leadership issue or the rantings of problem employees. "Experienced managers know that poor performers often complain the most. Still, it raises real concerns from other team members about the skills and behaviours of the boss," he adds.
4.Employees will accept change - if they're consulted first
The majority of workers responded that the most important thing a new boss can do is ask them what they think should be different. If change creates stress, a new boss can foster a fear of the unknown in employees.
"Giving them some input helps them gain control and feel less apprehensive about the change," Concelman says.
5.It's not about you looking good now
In fact, 60 percent of employees said the most respectable quality in a boss was their ability to help them succeed.
"Effective leaders relinquish the spotlight and put others there instead," Concelman says. "It is a stressful transition, going from being judged on your own accomplishments to those of your team, and leaders have to help employees shine by putting their success ahead of his or her own."
6.Your team doesn't share your goals
A great disconnect between a boss and his/her team is in their priorities. According to DDI's 2005 Leadership Forecast research, bosses put the bottom line on the top of their priority list, while employees in the DDI/Badbossology survey rank it as the least of their worries.
"A leader has to connect everyone's priorities and help individuals understand their contribution to organizational goals," Concelman explains. "At the same time, they have to listen to what is important to employees as well."
7.Not feeling up to the task? You're not alone
More than one in five workers surveyed said their greatest hesitation about becoming the boss was being perceived as incompetent, and nearly 25 percent said they would feel unprepared for the responsibility.
Why such hesitation to jump in? "There is a lot more at risk once you're in a leadership position," Concelman says.
8.Don't worry about having employees who don't like you - they'll just leave
There is no honeymoon period for new bosses - workers won't stick around once they realize they have a bad boss, with nearly half finding the door within six months.
Ten percent said they would quit immediately and 36 percent said they would give it three to six months.
"People vote with their feet, and if employees don't feel valued by the new boss, they'll quickly find someplace that will appreciate them," Concelman says.
"While some of this turnover is the result of increased accountability or personality clashes, a bad boss is a leading cause."
Some bosses deserve praise. But too many others don't. If you've got a story about a boss - good or bad - let us know and we'll publish them here.