I'm Louise Fletcher. As President of 
I'm Chandlee Bryan. As a career coach and resume writer with experience from Manhattan to Main Street, I help job seekers connect with opportunity by sharing news, trends and best practices. I'm the Managing Editor of Career Hub and run 
Typically, when I hear the words The Boss, my mind turns to a Born in the USA Bruce Springsteen sort of boss. However, this post is not about that particular boss. I am referring to individuals who supervise, manage, or oversee employees.
Webster says that a boss is "one who exercises control or authority; specif: one who directs or supervises workers."
In my career coaching and counseling practice over the past few months, I've had quite a few clients complain about their immediate supervisor. Repeatedly hearing this, I wondered if there were any "good bosses" out there. And indeed there are! Being the eternal optimist, as well as a person who likes to document stuff, I decided that I would intentionally listen for the good things others said about their immediate supervisor (the boss) and record it on a sticky note. To date, I've accumulated a nice little pile. Here's a random list of 25 traits and qualities I've collected, in no particular order of importance, regarding what constitutes a good boss:
- A good listener - doesn't cut you off at the pass
- A secure individual - OK in their own skin
- A mentor and / or role model
- Fair and ethical in business dealings with me and others
- Consistent in decision-making
- Doesn't take advantage of people
- Receptive to new ideas; embraces, encourages change
- Doesn't have issues
- Supports my professional development
- Challenges me in a positive, supportive way
- Asks me how they can be a better supervisor
- Cares about me as a person and what's going on with me
- Someone I'm not afraid of
- Goes to bat for me (or the team)
- Disagrees with me, but doesn't put me down
- Respects what I have to say
- Knows when it's quittin' time
- Gives me a chance to prove myself
- Notices when I do extra things; compliments me
- Doesn't berate me in front of my peers
- Does what they say they will do; keeps their word
- Gives me the credit when deserved
- Doesn't swear at me or scream at me
- Keeps his / her cool
- Treats me like I matter; teaches me; appreciates me
Does this sound like your boss? I hope so! Better yet, what are some qualities you look for in a good supervisor, a good boss?
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