A Tale of Two Bosses The Leader vs. The Manager

   "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of ………uh, accounting and stuff.”

 

 So after we had our third baby last year (no, we are not farmers), we decided it was time for the wife quit her full time job and find part time work, so she could stay home more with the kiddos.  It would be some sacrifice on the budget, but well worth it in the long run.  Being an accountant by trade, it would be tricky for Sarah to find part time work.  However, as blessing/luck would have it, a part-time accounting position became available, just around the corner from our home.  The best part was the work environment. 

   Great bosses make it enjoyable to come to work.  And the number one reason people leave their job is not money, it’s the relationship with their boss.

   Previously, Sarah had worked for a great company, however, the boss was more like an unfunny Michael Scott. 

For example the old boss would:

• Micromanage small details while simultaneously make himself unavailable to provide guidance on bigger projects 
• Constantly interrupt employees with minor questions
• Not provide much feedback  and could be a touch on the condescending side

However, the new boss:

• Empowers employees to make their own decisions and provides guidance on bigger projects
• Does not interrupt employee workflow
• Provides constant feedback by praising employees in public for specific accomplishments and provides constructive feedback for mistakes in private

   I know this is an old tale and as small business owners, we have a tendency to declare nobody wants to work anymore.  While I agree that we have become soft as a society and we consider having to wait in line at McDonalds a hardship. i.e., First World Problems, there is still some accountability on the boss to be a true leader, and not be some simple manager that can merely spout policy.

In a small business:

• Leaders are proactive, while simple managers tend to be reactive, i.e. hire people before they are overwhelmed.
• Leaders derive power from influence and simple managersderive power from simply owning the business.  That means helping employees understand how their jobs are relevant and not saying, “you have to do this, because I’m the boss.”
• Leaders ask “How do you think we should handle this?”Simple managers say “We tried that a couple of years ago, and it didn’t work.”

   This does not mean to let the inmates run the asylum, however showing employees appreciation, giving them timely feedback, and allowing a little autonomy in their job can go a long way to keeping and encouraging your employees.