If you want to know if you need to step it up a notch, you will have to do some serious self-reflection to find out. But lucky you, we are here to help!

If you’re wondering whether or not you are a great boss to your employees, you are probably not the only one. The problem is that you can’t just go around the office and ask them, because, to serve their own interests, they will lie and tell you how you’re the greatest boss ever. So if you really want to know if you need to step it up a notch, you will have to do some serious self-reflection to find out.

Lucky you, we are here to help. If these 9 signs apply to you, you might be in for the boss of the year award.

You demand effort, but not perfection

People make mistakes, things happen. If you punish even the smallest misstep or misunderstanding, employees will be too afraid to do anything. You need to inspire them to work hard and lead by example. Reward people for their efforts and achievements, so employees will be happy to come to work and be more productive and innovative in the process.

You hold everyone accountable, including yourself

A good boss will openly admit when she (or he) makes a mistake. They will analyse their failure and learn from it. In this way, employees will be encouraged to not pick a scapegoat, take accountability and work with integrity. This also shows that people are allowed to fail sometimes, as long as they get back on the horse and strive to be even better.

You don’t micromanage, but you’re not too hands-off

A good boss sets goals and expectations, and discusses the expected results. After that, she trusts the employee to be smart and capable enough to be able to do the job they were hired for. A boss who always knows best and doesn’t trust the employee will result in a demotivated office.

You’re able to make tough calls

Don’t play nice for the sake of being nice and avoiding conflict. Being real with your employees and showing them you are able to make tough calls will make it easier to work with everyone. Try to compromise by seeking a solution that makes everybody feel comfortable. But when problems arise, take charge and handle them like the boss you are.

You treat your employees like human beings

If you value your employees like human beings and treat them like the adults they are, you will foster mutual respect in the office. Be polite and respectful towards them, and they will give you back the respect you deserve. Treat your employees like you expect them to treat you. Don’t go around barking to show your dominance.

You check in with your employees

Good bosses know what’s going on with their employees. Take an interest in their personal lives without being nosy. Talk about what they want to achieve and show them that you value their opinion. Listen to their professional dreams and aspirations. Show your employees that you care about their well-being, and as a result they will care about yours.

You tailor your approach

The best bosses are flexible when it comes to differentiating between the needs and talents of each individual co-worker. Of course everyone needs to be treated appropriately, and you best not play favourites, but respecting differences in employees character or personal situations, and treating everybody fair (but with exceptions where needed) is the humane thing to do. A good boss also takes advantage of employees’ unique talents and makes them feel confident about their skills.

You’re a good coach

Good bosses don’t sit quietly on the side-line, but don’t run into the field and start playing either. You need to provide both criticism and constructive feedback, remove obstacles for employees to make their lives easier, give support and guidance without holding anyone’s hand too much, reassure employees that they are on the right track and stimulate them to do even better.

You think you’re an awful leader

Only the greatest bosses are modest enough to know that, they too, are only human and can always work to improve themselves. If you recognize your flaws and are constantly learning and developing to try to be the best version of yourself, you prove that you are self-aware and care about how you treat your employees.

 If you want to improve your leadership skills even more go to our online learning partner's courses here. 

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