What Kind Of Boss Are You?

So this week I had a interesting conversation.

One of my good friends was speaking about how much they HATE THEIR JOB.

I don’t just mean like I can’t stand it. I mean like day in and day out HATE it.

You know…after church on Sunday their anxiety starts setting in because they are dreading having to go back on Monday. They spend their entire Sunday despising the next day.

Each work day, they come home from work thinking, “Is it Friday yet?” Just so they can be caught in the rat race the following week again.

What a horrible life!

As I dug deeper I discovered that it wasn’t really the J.O.B. that this person didn’t like, it was the workload. Their boss expected them to be “creative” and do the work of a whole team of people. On top of that, they are also being flown to the other side of the planet. Their main responsibility is to represent the companies in meetings, where the only objective is to critique the project they have been working months on. So basically they get a round trip to get their butt kicked!

We all know the economy is not doing so hot. So for those that have jobs, they are lucky and thankful t0o have them.  They will do anything to NOT rock the boat. It got me thinking to the employers. How great are bosses really?

Lets transition this to our businesses…

How great of a boss are you? What would your staff say about you? Do they know that you care about them? If something terrible happened in life, would you let them off work and figure it out? Do they feel valued? Do they feel appreciated? When was the last time you told them that you cared about them as a PERSON and see if they are happy? After all, won’t a happy staff help your business the best? Here are some ways you can accomplish happiness with your workers:

1 -Regular Feed back – If feed back is expected on a regular basis, they are always striving to get a good report. It ensures that proper communication is happening and you have an opportunity to find out how they are doing.

2 – Words of Affirmation – Yes, this works different with different people, but did you know that some people would rather be affirmed then given a raise? Does this describe any of your staff? Publicly affirming their importance and great work in your company can go a long way.

Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) – “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

3 – Annual raise based on performance or bonuses – This can be a great motivator for some to constantly be pressing forward.

4 – Company outings or Random Gifts – Yes, not every staff member considers it “great” to accompany you to the roller skating rink for “company bonding” Find out what they like. Are they movie buffs? Surprise them with a gift card.

5 CARE – I think this is the most important one. If your staff knows that you are genuine in your care and concern for them they they will do anything they can for your business.

So what kind of boss are you? How do you show your staff that you appreciate them? How do you ensure they don’t roll their eyes each time you call or ask for a meeting? How do you make them not dread going to work and hate their job? Master this, and your company could be on a rocket of growth! Don’t master it and you will constantly be fighting for a good staff and that will take away from growing your business.

Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. –Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)