I remember all of my bosses.
Some were bad. Most were good.
But only one was, in the best possible way, truly memorable.
Unforgettable bosses possess qualities that may not show up on paper but always
show up where it matters most -- in the minds and even hearts of the people they
lead.
Here are some of the qualities of truly unforgettable bosses:
1. They believe the unbelievable.
Most people try to achieve the achievable; that’s why most goals and targets are
incremental rather than inconceivable.
Memorable bosses expect more -- from themselves and from others. Then they show
you how to get there. And they bring you along for what turns out to be an
unbelievable ride.
2. They see opportunity in instability and uncertainty.
Unexpected problems, unforeseen roadblocks, major crises... most bosses take
down the sails, batten the hatches, and hope to wait out the storm.
A few see a crisis as an opportunity. They know it’s extremely difficult to make
major changes, even necessary ones, when things are going relatively smoothly.
They know reorganizing an entire sales team is accepted more easily when a major
customer goes under. They know creating new sales channels is a lot easier when
a major competitor enters the market. They know reorganizing manufacturing
operations is a lot easier when the flow of supplies and components gets
disrupted.
Memorable bosses see instability and uncertainty not as a barrier but as an
enabler. They reorganize, reshape, and re-engineer to reassure, motivate, and
inspire -- and in the process make the organization much stronger.
3. They wear their emotions on their sleeves.
Good bosses are professional.
Memorable bosses are highly professional and yet also openly human. They show
sincere excitement when things go well. They show sincere appreciation for hard
work and extra effort. They show sincere disappointment -- not in others, but in
themselves. They celebrate, they empathize, they worry. Sometimes they even get
frustrated or angry.
In short, they’re human. And, unlike many bosses, they act as if they know it.
Professionalism is admirable. Professionalism -- with a healthy blend of
humanity -- is inspiring.
4. They protect others from the bus.
Terrible bosses throw their employees under the bus.
Good bosses never throw their employees under the bus.
Memorable bosses see the bus coming and pull their employees out of the way
often without the employee knowing until much, much later... if ever, because
memorable bosses never try to take credit.
And if they can't, they take the hit. (And later speak privately to the employee
in question.)
5. They’ve been there, done that... and still do that.
Dues aren't paid, past tense. Dues get paid each and every day. The true measure
of value is the tangible contribution we make on a daily basis.
That’s why no matter what they may have accomplished in the past, memorable
bosses are never too good to roll up their sleeves, get dirty, and do the
“grunt” work. No job is ever too menial, no task ever too unskilled or boring.
Memorable bosses never feel entitled, which means no one feels entitled to
anything but the fruits of their labor.
6. They lead by permission, not authority.
Every boss has a title. That title gives them the right to direct others, to
make decisions, to organize and instruct and discipline.
Memorable bosses lead because their employees want them to lead. Their employees
are motivated and inspired by the person, not the title.
Through their words and actions they cause employees feel they work with, not
for, a boss. Many bosses don’t even recognize there’s a difference... but
memorable bosses do.
7. They embrace a larger purpose.
A good boss works to achieve company goals.
A memorable boss also works to achieve company goals -- and achieves more than
other bosses -- but also works to serve a larger purpose: to advance the careers
of employees, to rescue struggling employees, to instill a sense of pride and
self-worth in others. They aren’t just remembered for nuts and bolts
achievements but for helping others on a personal and individual level.
Memorable bosses embrace a larger purpose, because they know business is always
personal.
8. They take real, not fake risks.
Many bosses, like many people, try to stand out in some superficial way. Maybe
through their clothes, their interests, or a public display of support for a
popular initiative. They do stand out but they stand out for reasons of sizzle,
not steak.
Memorable bosses stand out because they are willing to take an unpopular stand,
take an unpopular step, accept the discomfort of ignoring the status quo, and
risk sailing uncharted waters.
They take real risks not for the sake of risk but for the sake of the reward
they believe possible. And by their example they inspire others to take risks in
order to achieve what they believe is possible.
In short, memorable bosses inspire others to achieve their dreams: by words, by
actions, and most importantly