Share Your Good Boss Story

Yesterday I told you all about some of my bad bosses. Today, I'll share a few of my good boss stories:

• One of my early good bosses was a guy I really didn't like. He had always seemed to be antagonistic toward me and many others when I had interacted with him (he was in a different division) and I never wanted to work anywhere near him. Eventually, I was promoted to work in the same group he was in, though for someone else at the same level he was. Then there was a major company reorganization and I was assigned to work directly for him. I just knew it was the end of my career there. But I was pleasantly surprised. Now that I was on his team, he was supportive and very encouraging. I also found him to be a very smart businessman. Eventually, he and I became good friends outside of our work relationship.

• My next good boss was among the fairest people I ever knew -- he always seemed to err on the side of his employees whenever there was a choice to go one way or another. One example: I had a list of accomplishments that I needed to complete to get my annual performance bonus. I started the year off working on them and had several done about three months later. In my next paycheck, I noticed that I had a bonus amount added to my regular pay. When I asked my boss about it, he said that I had completed certain bonus activities and I deserved payment. When I pointed out that I had expected to be paid at the end of the year for all of my activities -- not as I earned them -- and that this is how the company had always paid its employees, he dismissed it as unfair. He said I earned the bonus now and should be paid now. He had several other great qualities but his fairness always really stood out to me.

• Last on my list is a boss who, if you were designing a boss, would be the one you'd create on your own. Knowledgeable, strategic, compassionate, encouraging, and even more. Name a great quality and it's likely he has it. He's not perfect (who is?) but he's by far the best boss I've ever had and I can't imagine one that would be better. Fortunately, this is the boss I have now, and I hope to be working for him for a long, long time.

How about you? Do you have any good boss stories that you'd like to share?

Comments

[Heidi]

My last boss was much like your current one - strategic, empowering, smart-as-hell, and she really cared about my career development. I would have walked through fire for her. Unfortunately, we had a new president come into our organization and the two of them didn't see eye-to-eye on several key initiatives, so she accepted a position at another business unit within our corporation. Boy, do I miss her.

[Dusty]

I manage a small group of people and I am very interested in what others value in a boss. I try and treat others with respect; striving to lead with the heart of a teacher. I allow a tremendous amount of flexibility to my staff's work hours, allowing them to make up missed hours by coming in early or staying later. I do hold each person to really high expectations but I feel this is fair.

Overall, I think that if you make the work place environment pleasant then everyone will be more satisfied.

[Kevin]

Both partners at my current firm and the principal at my last firm were what I term "good" bosses. They all let me work pretty independently, flexible schedules, don't hound me too much about deadlines yet still expect a lot from me. I guess most of that is a reflection on the fact that I get my work done without a lot of hand-holding, but at least they realize what type of environment I work best in. There are some things I would change, but overall it's a good fit.

[Liz]

I'm with Kevin on what makes a good boss. I just appreciate someone who puts their trust in me as an adult employee, doesn't micro-manage, is flexible and fair, and allows me to work as I do best - independently with little supervision. Of course, I expect to have to earn their trust, but once that is done, let me just get my work done. My current boss is great as he is all of these things, plus he gently lets me know (via my review or otherwise) where I need to improve. I think he knows I'm conscientious and that I will take whatever constructive criticism he gives me to heart because I want to be my best too. He also incentifies me to meet whatever goals/improvements he sets forth by giving twice yearly bonuses and decent raises. Everyone wins.

One of the most important things is also that we understand our differences in how we both work so we can give each other what we need to not only do our jobs but feel good about them too. (i.e. he gives me space and doesn't micro-manage, and I give him regular updates and detail that I know he needs). Also, I agree with Dusty that the environment is really important too. I love that I can wear whatever I want to work, have some flexibility, and work with other good people.

[KikiD]

I have a history of working successfully with notoriously difficult bosses. Ironically, one of the best bosses I had was one who had the worst reputation for people skills. After a division reorganization at a large company, I was being transferred into his department and tried to convince him that he didn't want me as an employee and I didn't have the skill sets he needed. He glanced over my resume and said it was apparent that I was capable of learning, so that was it - I was stuck. While he was still a challenge, he gave me more opportunities for career growth than I could have imagined and he also wasn't skimpy with rewards. He was gruff but supportive and appreciated having a straight-shooter on the team. He was surprisingly supportive of my move to a different job several years later. He even advised a new team member to talk to me about how to effectively "manage" him!

[Cheska]

My ideal boss: one who truly cares and looks out for his or her employees. One who listens and makes an effort to really get to know me and what I do. Cut the hierarchical crap and boss=leader=alpha dog mindset. As my boss, work as a leader who serves others.