“The greatest power that a person possesses is the power to choose.” – J. Martin Kohe
Yes, you do have a choice in this.
Your choice of the right boss can pay divi- dends in your career. Not only will you be paid more, but you will be promoted faster.
Let’s face it, nowadays we tend to spend more time at work than at home or on va- cation. So the boss you choose is going to have an enormous impact on how much you enjoy your work, how rapidly you get promoted – which ultimately affects your salary and every other part of your work life.
When you are searching for a new job and land an interview, remember that you are interviewing your new boss as well. Ask him/her a lot questions. Make sure you would enjoy working for this person. Be sure it is someone you like and respect.
It’s no secret, that the best bosses have certain in- nate qualities in common. First and foremost, all good bosses are honest and have high integrity. When they make a promise, they keep it and when they can’t they let you know why.
They are always clear about tasks they give you. They do not micromanage, but trust your skills and abilities to get the job done. They are genuinely concerned about you as a person and ask for your ideas and opinions on work matters.
But the best measure of a good boss is how you feel when you come to work. Do you feel happy and relaxed or frustrated and annoyed? Do you laugh at work or are you miserable?
Only you know. So choose wisely.
Action step: Visualize your perfect boss. Write down the traits that matter to you most.
The right boss is key and something people don’t always consider. It’s similar to the philosophy of choosing the best professors in college and grad school rather than making the course material the primary decision point. I’d add that a good boss pushes you and that there isn’t just one good boss. You can learn different elements from different people.
So true Alan. We often learn more about ourselves when we are challenged in a good way by a good boss.