How to Be a Better Boss: Essential Traits to Cultivate

Want a happier, more productive workforce? Motivation starts from the top. Great bosses know they can’t do it alone, and they inspire and empower their employees to do their best work. When your employees feel good about themselves and their work, they’re more likely to feel invested in the business — and everyone reaps the benefits.

While every individual has a unique management style, there are some leadership qualities you probably want to cultivate when learning how to be a boss. Here are four traits to aspire to:

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Be inspiring.

Amazing bosses don’t have to manage (or worse, micromanage) every detail of their businesses. Instead, a great leader sees the big picture, and helps employees see it, too. When a boss has a strong vision for a company and can communicate that vision, employees have something to believe in and can feel good about helping to make that vision a reality.

Be decisive.

The words “indecisive” and “leader” are rarely used in the same sentence (not favourably, at least). The best leaders understand what factors they need to consider and who they should consult to arrive at an effective decision. They also have the foresight necessary to consider how their decisions affect their employees and the future of their business. And even if a decision isn’t popular, a great boss stands behind it and takes ownership.

Be trustworthy.

It’s one thing to rouse employees with a moving speech, but it’s another thing to truly get your employees behind you. Instilling trust is a leadership quality that will take you far in your career. Leaders have to inspire trust by modeling responsibility and integrity, and great bosses understand that trust must be earned, so they keep their promises. If employees can’t trust their leader, their morale suffers, and that’s something customers also pick up on.

Be approachable.

Running a business is no joke, but an amazing boss should always maintain a sense of humour — and it’s especially important to be able to laugh at yourself. There are setbacks and unforeseen challenges, but leaders who don’t take themselves too seriously have an easier time putting their employees at ease. Exceptional leaders don’t surround themselves with a stable of people who approve of everything they do. Instead, they know the value in gathering different points of view, and the importance of understanding dissenting opinions.