7 Things my Imperfect Boss Did Right and You Can Too
You can do many things wrong if you do a few important things right.
The boss you don’t want to be:
- The paranoid boss that fears what others are saying about her. She turns co-workers and team members into adversaries and enemies.
- The political boss that can’t make tough decisions. You can’t go all-in on half-way decisions.
- The loudmouth boss that intimidates everyone. It’s her way or the highway. You conform but don’t bring your best.
- The talkative boss that adores his own voice. He never listens so he never learns.
7 things my imperfect boss did right:
I worked for a larger than life leader with many imperfections. I loved him because he was real.
#1. You knew what he thought, and where you stood.
“The biggest cowards are managers who don’t let people know where they stand.” Jack Welch
#2. He provided opportunities to grow and showed you how to be better – in no uncertain terms.
Not everyone could tolerate his candor, but it made me better.
Avoid ruinous empathy.
#3. He expected performance AND got dirty with you.
#4. He bought lunch.
Generosity strengthens relationships and builds trust.
#5. He was loud AND caring.
He was intimidating, but his big heart made up for it.
A warm heart overcomes many faults.
If you’re imperfect, at least be caring.
#6. He got to know people. He visited my home and knew my family.
#7. He honored quality work.
I wanted to do good because he respected good work and let me know.
Don’t strive to be the perfect boss. Strive to give your best and true self to your team.
What are some fatal flaws for leaders?
What helps leaders overcome their imperfections?
Bonus material:
What Great Managers Do (hbr.org)
The 7 Things Great Managers Do Differently | G&A Partners (gnapartners.com)
Love this. My boss is perfectly flawed. He has a tad of paranoia but he does everything else right.
Thanks Emily. They say a little paranoia is a good thing. 🥳
What are some fatal flaws for leaders? Taking the glory for work done by others. Not sharing accolades from customers. Not practicing what they preach. Spending time with the people that work for them to actually get to know them as you mentioned. Expecting others to do something they wouldn’t do. Looking the other when when somethings needs addressed head on.
What helps leaders overcome their imperfections?
Perhaps having walked the walk, before they started the talk? Translates to have worked in the trenches and understands how real life works.
I lean towards honesty helps with imperfections, let them know were your coming from as you mentioned.
Wow Tim. You outdid yourself today! Your suggestion to walk the talk first is gold. Thx
Dan,
“Experience”, “Hind site”, the great teachers…. 🙂
I LOVE this! There seems like so many things that bosses need to get right. I appreciate the reminder that if you get the big things right, even SOME big things right, that is enough to make a difference.
Thanks Glen. Perhaps we all wish we could do everything well. And some imagine they do everything well. But a few things are necessary.
Point 7 – you’re using the words respect and honor interchangably. Are you sure that’s correct? I think there is an important difference in meaning there, but we are slowly losing it by using these words as identical.
You may be right, Michael. It seemed like honor flows from respect. What difference is important to you?
Great perspective when working with those imperfect managers. Bringing the idea of looking at both sides and where is the balance is a great coaching tool!
Thanks Jay. Looking for balance expands our perspective.