4 Things Good Bosses Do

In the Lion King, Simba, the main character, sings in his youth, “I just can’t wait to be king.” Some imagine that being in charge—and doing it well—is easy. But if you’ve had a bad boss, or perhaps have been a bad boss yourself, you know that being in charge is harder than it looks.

In honor of National Boss Day this week, we’re highlighting four things that good bosses do.

1. Give genuine, specific, words of affirmation and appreciation.

In 2 Cor.7:4, the apostle Paul says to the Corinthian church “I often boast about you; I have great pride in you.” He goes on to explain the particular reasons for his praise. Interestingly, Paul gives these accolades in the context of a reprimand. He lovingly helped the Corinthians recognize things they’d done wrong, while also commending their right actions.

Words of affirmation and appreciation bolster confidence, increase motivation and provide positive reinforcement for work that is well done.

Management consultant and educator Peter Drucker wrote, “What’s measured improves.” Specific feedback–positive and negative–is more practical and actionable than a general statement.

2. Honor rhythms of work, life and celebration.

Numerous studies have found that overtime and fatigue have deleterious effects on worker productivity. In the book of Nehemiah, we observe the Israelites setting aside time for remembrance, sorrow, celebration and rest after completing a big project. Doing this as a community builds relationships and positive shared experiences. As people created in the image of God–who rested from His work of creation–we require proper rhythms of rest, play and work in order to function at our best.

Here’s an example from Bandwidth.Com, a telecommunications company in North Carolina. According to co-founder Henry Kaestner, the company has a policy that everyone should leave work by 6 pm in order to spend dinner time with the people they love. If necessary, people may work from home after 8 pm or so, but workers are expected not to work or communicate with one another between 6 and 8. The biblical Sabbath is an inspiration for the policy, not because of its religious particularity, but because it gives everyone time for rest and relationship.

3. Consider the interests of employees and other stakeholders.

Philippians 2:4 says, “Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” People in authority can make decisions that affect a broader swathe of people, for better or worse. Peter Drucker defines the burden of being a boss: “Rank does not confer privilege or give power. It imposes responsibility.”

Bob Walker, president of Walker Manufacturing Company, considers this idea in the following video. He discusses his decision to find ways to provide year-round employment for workers, even though business tends to be seasonal.

This video was made possible by the Center for Faith & Work at LeTourneau University and produced by Small Business School. Used by permission.

4. Inspire and empower people to do their best work.

“In most cases being a good boss means hiring talented people and then getting out of their way.” ― Tina Fey, Bossypants

Texas Nameplate president Dale Crownover led his company to double sales, increase efficiency, and win the Malcolm Baldrige National Award (for quality) twice. How did he do it? First, he shared his vision for excellence and prosperity. Then, he empowered his employees to do their best work by investing in training opportunities and encouraging their participation.

One employee said about him, “Dale gives everybody…opportunity. He stresses education. And he never stands in the way of anybody [who] wants to do something different.”

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. Have you ever had a good experience with a boss, supervisor or manager? What did the person do that made her or him memorable?

If you’re a manager or a supervisor, how do you try to create a thriving workplace?