It doesn’t take a lot to ruin a good thing. Or anything, for that matter. A single bad managerial figure can destroy a good vibe at any workplace and also potentially scar you for life in more ways than one. But, believe it or not, bad bosses aren’t all that common.
Contrary to what r/AntiWork leads many to believe, bad bosses are actually in the minority. Depending on how you approach it, it’s roughly13% of employeeswho reflect on their bosses as beingtruly sucky. Mostly in Europe. So, where are all the good guy bosses at? This list, of course!
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So, what’s a good boss? Funnily enough, explaining what a bad boss is first is the easier task. Brace yourself as it’s about to get super crunchy (get it, becausenumbers and facts?).Thetl;drexplanationis that a bad boss is any managerial persona who’s confrontational, unkind, unaccommodating, or unmotivated. This can manifest in a number of ways: lack of leadership skill, use of micromanagement tactics, and exceedingly high demands for employees, just to name a few.This is besides lacking any sort of positive human qualities, thus prompting for hostility, avoiding providing help where needed and just being flat out disrespectful. And then morale plummets, employee turnover skyrockets, productivity tanks, and the negative Glassdoor reviews start piling in, culminating in a cluster-truck of trouble for the company.
So, what’s a good boss? Funnily enough, explaining what a bad boss is first is the easier task. Brace yourself as it’s about to get super crunchy (get it, becausenumbers and facts?).
Thetl;drexplanationis that a bad boss is any managerial persona who’s confrontational, unkind, unaccommodating, or unmotivated. This can manifest in a number of ways: lack of leadership skill, use of micromanagement tactics, and exceedingly high demands for employees, just to name a few.
This is besides lacking any sort of positive human qualities, thus prompting for hostility, avoiding providing help where needed and just being flat out disrespectful. And then morale plummets, employee turnover skyrockets, productivity tanks, and the negative Glassdoor reviews start piling in, culminating in a cluster-truck of trouble for the company.
Now, there are ways of dealing with poor management. Mostly, it’s tackling the issue head on and working together to fix it. This involves taking notes and recording (within legal limits) the actions and behaviors that need correction, consulting with fellow employees, and approaching the supervisor directly, either with or without HR (though the former is recommended).Ideally, the use of “proper channels” makes sure that everything is civil and it provides the manager with a chance to explain themselves. By proxy, talking through an issue can determine who is at fault (if any) and identify ways to rectify it. A learning experience all around.
Now, there are ways of dealing with poor management. Mostly, it’s tackling the issue head on and working together to fix it. This involves taking notes and recording (within legal limits) the actions and behaviors that need correction, consulting with fellow employees, and approaching the supervisor directly, either with or without HR (though the former is recommended).
Ideally, the use of “proper channels” makes sure that everything is civil and it provides the manager with a chance to explain themselves. By proxy, talking through an issue can determine who is at fault (if any) and identify ways to rectify it. A learning experience all around.
The study also premises its research with a number of factors. A key aspect was that supers, managers and the like exert a great deal of power in the workplace, and this has a significant impact (either positive or negative) on employees and the way the company operates. This includes a direct correlation with performance and results.
The key demographic of the study was Europe, though data sets and descriptive stats were given for the USA as well.
According to the study, the most bad-boss-laden industries were transportation (a bit above 17%), manufacturing (16%), and human health and social work activities (nearly 15%). Runners up include agriculture, admin and support services, hospitality and food service industries, wholesale and retail, among many others.
So, let’s circle back towhat is a good boss?The same ILE study provided a dead giveaway, actually: it’s a boss who gives useful feedback, is helpful in getting the job done, respects workers as people, encourages development, gives praise and recognition, is successful in teamwork, and helps and supports employees.
But if you need an even more digestible version of what is a good boss, hey, you’re scrolling this list! Absolutely meta, we know, but the employees are real, the bosses are real, and the goodness you’re feeling right now—yep, real too!The overarching theme that is the beauty behind all of these good boss posts is that they were all done in very simple ways. Just think about it:one bossmakes breakfast for his team every Wednesday, which has amazing potential for team building; another boss senta thank you letter, acknowledging all of the hard work the employee did, which is just plain nice; heck, just straight upgiving moneyis always a nice gesture, and the kind words add volumes to it.
But if you need an even more digestible version of what is a good boss, hey, you’re scrolling this list! Absolutely meta, we know, but the employees are real, the bosses are real, and the goodness you’re feeling right now—yep, real too!
The overarching theme that is the beauty behind all of these good boss posts is that they were all done in very simple ways. Just think about it:one bossmakes breakfast for his team every Wednesday, which has amazing potential for team building; another boss senta thank you letter, acknowledging all of the hard work the employee did, which is just plain nice; heck, just straight upgiving moneyis always a nice gesture, and the kind words add volumes to it.
And just as violence begets violence, it works the same way with being nice, kind and caring. If your boss is good to you, be good back!Managementvalues employeeswho show dedication and commitment, perform their tasks reliably and with confidence, and don’t shy away from teamwork all while being able to work independently too. And whipping out skills like critical thinking, self-awareness and self-improvement, and good interpersonal communication is always a good idea throughout the entire work process.
And just as violence begets violence, it works the same way with being nice, kind and caring. If your boss is good to you, be good back!
Managementvalues employeeswho show dedication and commitment, perform their tasks reliably and with confidence, and don’t shy away from teamwork all while being able to work independently too. And whipping out skills like critical thinking, self-awareness and self-improvement, and good interpersonal communication is always a good idea throughout the entire work process.
It’s naturally tempting to say “screw it” and quit your job on the spot when a rotten egg of a manager is in charge. But, again, a civil code of conduct is the way to go and so the laws of teamwork have to apply.In other words, mutual respect between managers and employees leads to more willingness to offer support (both ways) and perform well. Both find reasons to do their best, thus boosting productivity and collaboration, all while pushing away the problems of absenteeism (unplanned absences from work) and employee turnover.
It’s naturally tempting to say “screw it” and quit your job on the spot when a rotten egg of a manager is in charge. But, again, a civil code of conduct is the way to go and so the laws of teamwork have to apply.
In other words, mutual respect between managers and employees leads to more willingness to offer support (both ways) and perform well. Both find reasons to do their best, thus boosting productivity and collaboration, all while pushing away the problems of absenteeism (unplanned absences from work) and employee turnover.
But before you do that, make sure to share your thoughts on anything or everything you’ve read here today. And if there’s a good boss story to tell, be sure to do so in the comment section below!
All lipsticks were in different shades, but the brand was something like luxury lipstick. I only took 5 because I’m in an office full of ladies, but I did get in there first and got a good pick.
My old boss made care packages for his employees since they were closed. He truly cares about his workers!
“I know It’s been a long, tough week for all of you. Especially the guys who stayed late for patch Tuesday. Take an extra hour for lunch and enjoy.-Chris R.”
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I recently had a kid, and have been struggling even with my new job that pays decently. I’m literally crying right now and know my boss cares enough to break rules to help.
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“You are always there when the chips are down, divorces, marriages, children, and sickness. You have always had my back. You are a stand-up guy. And I appreciate all your help over the years. Good Luck! Have fun, and let me know if you need anything. We will be here when you get back.”
“Happy (belated) Birthday, Caeden. P.S. Please tell Caldan I’m sorry he didn’t get a birthday card from me. I had a hospital stay after a colonoscopy emergency, that threw my internal calendar off. Chips & Kim.“Happy Birthday Wishes! We hope you have a great celebration with family & friends.“Happy Birthday, Wishes, We hope you have a great celebration with family & friends.”
“Team-Well, we’ve made it through one week! This has been (for some) an especially challenging week filled with difficult cases, late nights at work, stress, you name it.I want you to know how proud you make me to be your leader.I also want you to know that we are going to get through this challenge - we have risen above before and will do so again! I’m claiming success for each of us.Please know that I have your back. You have my full support. So, I want to ensure you are taking the steps needed to care for yourself… as you are NO GOOD to anyone else (as a caregiver, as a social worker, as an RN Care Manager, or any other role) if you are not participating in self-care.I expect that you are eating lunch. I expect that you are working hard during the day. I expect that you are leaving on time - and I encourage you to do so. We were telling some folks yesterday that you could work 24/7 at this job - and I know you know it’s true. Please set good boundaries for yourself. If you are working hard during the day to get things done and are leaving at 4:30/5 PM - don’t worry about what is left undone. Tomorrow is another day. If there are urgent issues, notify the on-call staff / leave a good handoff for the weekend or weekday - reach out to me. I’ll be happy to problem-solve with you. I’m here to support you.Happy Friday - and take good care of yourselves this weekend!”
They also arranged therapy for me starting this week after I explained the GDC is still months away. I can’t stop smiling.
Even though I’m doing what I’m being paid for, but he still gives good vibes.
“Eat, take care of yourself.”
“Happy Birthday, You are my hero! Love”
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Gabija Saveiskyte
Justinas Keturka
Work & Money
