Being the Boss without Being Bossy

Believe it or not, most people learn all they need to know about being the boss by the time they are five. Unfortunately, those basic principles that are written in stone while under the watchful eyes of our mothers, fathers, and teachers are all but lost once we are thrust out into the real world. But these forgotten nuggets are great tips for making it as an adult in the wonderful world of work.

Remember too-tall Tina, who threatened you every day during recess? She might have gotten your lunch money, but she never earned your respect. Think back to the little boy who copied off your paper in study hall. Well, he might have gotten an A in English, but we heard he got busted last year for insider trading. And that little tattletale who told on you for passing notes in class? Well sure, he is a hugely successful judge, but everyone hates him!

You didn’t meet your sales goals, win the accounts, or take the company public alone, did you? On a daily basis, the individuals on your team bring their unique talents to the table and work together to accomplish professional goals. Yes, you guide the staff by making the plan, answering the questions, and settling the disputes. But they are still working, contributing, and creating on behalf of the company and you will not inspire them to do any of it well if you treat them as just cogs in your wheel. It takes a confident manager to step them aside and give credit where credit is due. Nothing will inspire loyalty like a boss who acknowledges that she didn’t do it flying solo.

Along with sharing credit, effective managers need to also share information. If you are busy, it is easier to deliver pieces of only the most time-sensitive information. But you are doing your team a disservice by not sharing the whole picture. When delegating a project, tell your team how it fits into the company’s goals. If your CEO has decided to launch a new identity campaign or new product, then tell your staff about it. If there is a bad review coming out for the restaurant you manage, make sure to tell the wait staff. Information helps your team do a better job in both the short run (day-to-day tasks) and the long run (professional goal-setting). It helps them plan, grow, and think big picture.