The best boss

Anyone can be a great leader without the authority to do so – look at Joan of Arc but you do need the conviction, the understanding of people, the drive and ambition to bring people on your journey with you.

Given its so vital, we’d like to ask you to take a few moments and ask yourself, ‘who was the best boss I ever had?’ For the purpose of this exercise think broadly to include not only present or previous managers but anybody of influence – teachers, coaches, counsellors, and military commanders.

Now ask yourself, ‘what was it about this person that makes me think of them as the best boss I ever had?’ Think about this person’s traits, characteristics and personality – what left you with such a positive memory. Think about how you responded to this boss. How were you treated? Were you challenged? Were you willing to give more than you were asked? Did you feel free to speak up, communicate new ideas; suggest new projects? How did your team mates respond? How did that boss affect the environment in your organisation? How successful was your team at reaching its goals? How did it get through the rough times? Did you look forward to coming in on Mondays (OK, nobody looks forward to coming in on Mondays!), was working productive but also fun? How did you feel at the end of the day?

Reflect for a moment on how broadly applicable that boss’s traits were. Can you adapt any of them – not to change yourself, but to enhance how you do things so that you can be the best possible version of yourself and enable your team to positively join and contribute to your mission.

Whether you’re a manager or not, ask yourself, ‘am I treating others the same way the best boss I ever had treated me?’