Source: www.fastcompany.com
These traits create a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered and set the standard for success.
The definition of effective leadership is being reshaped by the relentless march of technology and the ongoing shift toward hybrid work environments. As AI and digital tools become integral to our daily operations, the expectations placed on leaders are evolving just as rapidly. What does it take to be a good boss?
Employees are seeking bosses who communicate with clarity, lead with compassion and set realistic expectations. Here’s what you need to excel as a boss in this new era.
Clear communication
In times of uncertainty, clear communication is essential. Employees crave straightforward, transparent messaging from their bosses that goes beyond directives and plans. It’s about articulating the team’s vision, direction, and priorities of the team, and explaining the ‘why’ behind decisions.
A leader’s ability to define roles, tasks, and expectations sets the foundations for success. Employees need to know what “done well” looks like to align their efforts and excel. This clarity also applies to feedback, which should be shared early, often, and constructively. By providing regular, actionable feedback, Good bosses can foster an environment where employees are supported to continuously learn, improve, and develop.
Keeping communication “plain speak” is also important for building trust. Employees want their leaders to communicate in a simple, authentic, and transparent manner. Transparency isn’t just about honesty. It’s about proactively sharing necessary truths. Even if the message is unwelcome, if it’s delivered clearly and empathetically, employees are more likely to understand and accept it.
Compassionate human-centered focus
Employees today are navigating unprecedented levels of stress and disengagement. According to the recent Gallup State of the Global Workplace 2023 Report, 59% of employees worldwide are disengaged. They’re quiet quitting by showing minimal productivity and effort and feeling disconnected from their work. The report also highlighted that employee stress levels remain at record highs, with 44% reporting having experienced significant stress daily. It’s no surprise then that more than half of currently employed workers (51%) are actively seeking new job opportunities.
To counter this trend, good bosses must demonstrate genuine care for their team’s wellbeing. This involves taking the time for regular check-ins and seeing how your people are traveling. It’s empathizing with their challenges and supporting them to overcome these hurdles, asking meaningful questions, and showing a sincere interest in their responses.
Human-centered leadership prioritizes the person before the task and recognizes that people drive performance. This approach builds trust and sees leaders foster an environment where employees feel valued, appreciated, and heard. It involves recognizing contributions, celebrating successes, and showing appreciation.
Ultimately, compassionate leadership requires us to embrace our own humanity and genuinely connect with the humanity of those around us. As Maya Angelou famously said, “People won’t remember what you say and do, but they will remember how you made them feel.”
Realistic expectations
Amid feelings of overwhelm, when so much feels out of control, having realistic and clear expectations from a leader is essential. This encompasses job requirements, behavioral standards, workload sustainability, and work flexibility. Good bosses must establish a clear framework for what is expected, balancing ambition and achievability. Employees should have a comprehensive understanding of their roles and the standards of behavior expected of them. This clarity helps mitigate confusion and sets the employee up for success.
Managing workload sustainability is also crucial. Leaders must ensure workloads are realistic to prevent burnout and foster a healthy work-life balance or risk having their employees resign or be off work on sick or stress leave.
Work flexibility and design have become non-negotiable in the modern workplace. Good bosses must, wherever possible, accommodate diverse working styles and personal circumstances, offering flexibility that enables employees to perform at their best.
Building a future-ready leadership approach
As we advance into the second half of 2024, the qualities employees value in a boss are evolving, but the essentials of effective leadership—clear communication, compassionate human-centered leadership, and realistic expectations—remain constant. Good bosses excel in these areas. They won’t just manage the challenges they face; they’ll inspire and retain their teams, build trust, foster stability, and instill hope. These traits create a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered and set the standard for success.