Four Ways to Enable Your Boss to Be a Better Leader
Have you ever thought of your company leadership as needing empowerment? You expect them to empower you as the employee, and that relationship goes both ways. To encourage your boss to be a better leader, you need to support them, too. For management to be truly effective, they need to know their team has faith and trust in them. So, how do you enable your boss to be a better leader? In honor of Boss Day, here are some ways you can empower your boss and pay them back for all they help you with.
1. Don’t criticize behind their back
It’s an easy go-to to bond with your coworkers by criticizing the boss. You may think it’s harmless and will never get back to your boss. However, these harsh words will most likely make it back to your boss. Not only is it unprofessional, but it can demean your boss. You might not have really meant it, but consider how you would feel if your boss was criticizing you behind your back to your coworkers. If you truly do have constructive feedback, bring it straight to your boss. Having face-to-face conversations where you give your boss feedback in a respectful way can enhance their leadership skills.
2. Give positive feedback and constructive criticism
Speaking of feedback, it’s helpful for your boss to receive feedback from employees. You might think your boss never wants to hear how he or she is doing, but that’s probably not the case. When your boss makes an effective change or really leads your team in the right direction, say so. Just because they are the boss doesn’t mean they don’t like receiving compliments. Also, if you have suggestions or constructive feedback, voice them to your boss in a respectful way. However, with constrictive criticism, make sure you have a relationship with your boss where this is acceptable. Don’t cross a line by being rude or coming out of left field.
3. Support his or her personal growth
You may think of your boss as simply a figure head, but he or she has career goals as well. If you see your boss doing something out of their comfort zone or actively getting involved in an outside organization, support that. Your boss will support your personal and professional growth in return.
4. Play nice with your team
Don’t undermine the company and your boss by causing strife within your team. You don’t have to be a pushover, but try to create camaraderie and trust among your team. Your boss will truly thank you for being a team player. This allows your boss to not mediate between fighting coworkers and instead, focus on bigger goals of the company. When you free your boss up from petty office fights, a lot more can be accomplished.
Overall, put yourself in your manager’s shoes. How would you feel if you were the boss, and you had an employee just like yourself? Make sure you’re always empowering your boss, and he or she will empower you in return. Strong leadership benefits the entire team, so celebrate your team and Boss Day by supporting your leader to be the best they can be.
