5 Signs You Are a Cool Boss

Many people all over the U.S. dread going to work because their manager makes the work environment toxic for one reason or another. Being a manager/supervisor of people is a serious matter. The way you lead and engage your employees sets the tone for the culture of the work environment. A cool boss isn't cool just because they wear custom embroidered polo shirts with a matching embroidered cardigan every day.

No, they are cool because they make it their duty to provide a positive impact on the company. The staff respects them and is more than likely to go the extra mile. If you're wondering how your supervisory skills add up, here are five signs you're doing a great job.

1. Cool Bosses Value Their Employees' Opinion and Leans On Their Expertise

These types of bosses empower their employees to take a leadership role on projects and other initiatives. They respect the knowledge, skills, and talents of their employees and trust their opinions. They want to see their employees grow, develop, and move up and are never concerned about being “outshined.” Great bosses know that when the team executes high metrics, they have an impactful leader.

Cool bosses are skilled at creating a balance between micromanagement and a relaxed style of management. If you're a great boss, you expect your employees to give 100% to their position. You know they will meet project timelines, will never cut corners, and produce exceptional work. A great boss won't feel the need to regularly check in with their employees to ask if they are making progress or keep an aggressive eye on their daily tasks. You have built a relationship with each of your employees, and you trust they will deliver quality work when it's due.

2. Cool Bosses Delivers Criticism Tactfully

Great bosses recognize that if they want to build trust and loyalty with their team, they need to be transparent regarding improvements. Leaders are not afraid to deliver constructive, tactful feedback to their team so they can grow. They won't merely say what the issue is and walk away but will make it a point to provide tools or resources to help them succeed. Cool bosses aren't afraid of hard conversations and see the situation as a teachable moment. For instance, if there is a rule about company shirts being tucked at all times, but a particular employee seems to have their shirts untucked often, this an excellent opportunity to tell the employee how they are valued at the company. Still, their custom polo must be tucked as part of the dress code.

3. Cool Bosses Value Employees' Time

Time is a valuable resource. A productive boss respects the time of their employees. Meetings are run on time; for an appropriate length of time. There is a plan given out before the meeting to ensure everyone is prepared and clear of their expectations. Great bosses respect the work-life balance and rarely schedule appointments outside of regular business hours unless a specific project requires it; even then, those meetings are scheduled well in advance. Additionally, a great supervisor shields their team from additional projects that are unclear and lack a definitive timeline.

By scheduling one-on-ones, you help to strengthen relationships with your team members. Cool bosses make it a point to schedule frequent performance progression check-ins and with their direct reports. Although the meeting has a schedule to follow, the meetings are authentic and feel organic.

4. Cool Bosses Want Their Employees to Obtain Their Goals

The success of a business boils down to how well bosses motivate their team. A great boss works with her employees to craft ways to stay engaged with the company's culture, e.g., set up development goals. Even when employees aren't exactly sure of their career trajectory, the invested boss has a willingness to help guide their employees' to nurture their talents and establish their goals. A great boss makes it their duty to create a phenomenal team. Yes, they want quality, highly skilled employees, but they also want a team that has community and fellowship.

Small gestures for employees go a long way and can be in the form of a community potluck or a “Casual Dress Friday”; where employees can wear a uniform t-shirt and jeans. Or maybe host a department raffle where employees can win fun promotional gifts. A cool boss can bring people together and views differences as an asset, not a deficit.

5. Cool Bosses Want You to Move On

Great bosses understand that a season will come when it's time for a team member to move on. They don't believe in being selfish or holding their employee back. No, a committed manager understands they have done their job to develop their employee to thrive at work and impart new skills they can use in a new role. They are proud of their employee's growth and are supportive of their next career goals.

Bottom Line

Fostering these traits into your leadership style will surely place you in the “Great Boss” club. When you invest in your team's well-being, you add value to the business and value to your employees, giving them the motivation to do their best. By being connected, honest, and trusting of your staff, you will create a happier workforce and a thriving business. It's a win-win for everyone.