What makes a 'Super-boss'?

Over the years I have worked with and spent time alongside some of the most inspiring business owners. I feel fortunate to have been exposed to the methods and approaches that some of the most impressive business owners use when it comes to managing their business and people. 

So here they are - 5 of the winning traits I’ve taken note from a number of my ‘Super-bosses’, all of whom who have created notable businesses. 

Creating your A-Team - I have witnessed situations when Managers have chosen not to employ certain candidates for fear they are better at them when it comes to completing certain tasks. To me this is total madness and should be something that business owners are aware of. A business owner who recognises where skill gaps lie and therefore employ the best of the best to fill these gaps, has proven to be the best way forward and an absolute winning formula when it comes to making things happen. 

Taking a realistic view, not wanting the earth - egotistical business owners who only see the business through their own eyes are a danger to all around them. I recently met up for dinner with a girl-friend of mine who was at the end of a set of interviews for a job. She met the owner of the business and quite rightly challenged a brief she was given. The owner was appalled that she was questioning his approach. This seems so alien to me (and her) - if you’re employing an expert to handle a part of a business that you haven't the skills for, why wouldn't you take the time to hear their viewpoint? If you don't, you're at danger of paying a premium for someone to simply execute your short-sighted plan. Individuals who fail to seek the opinions of people they value, are at risk of having a brilliant idea that will fail before they have even started, simply down to their unrealistic approach. Bringing on board consultants or individuals who are expert in their field early in the process helps to gain a realistic perspective of what’s ahead and helps others in the team feel confident in the overall plan. Confidence breeds confidence, arrogance breeds failure. 

Being a people person, not a people pleaser - business owners who take the time to talk to their staff and understand a little more about their personal life and/or what they have contributed to a particular project or task, reaps such obvious rewards. Staff recognise that owners have limited time and are normally under a lot of pressure so when owners take time out of their busy schedules to find out a little more about the people who are helping making their vision become a reality, it’s one of the most powerful approaches to getting the most from people-management. It also needs to be conducted sincerely. Staff who feel they are being paid lip-service will immediately be able to see-through a slap dash approach and reaps no rewards whatsoever. Finding a way that you can approach your staff that you feel comfortable with is key. 

Rewarding staff - never underestimate the affect of recognising a good job, or going that extra mile has on a member of staff or team. I have organised some of the most impressive rewards for staff and services and have seen first-hand what a boost such a gesture receives. We are all human and love to be recognised so if someone has done a good job, whether you add a note in a newsletter, offer a monetary reward, arrange a dinner or make time to give announcement at a company update, people like to be thanked so be sure to make this a priority when the time is right. 

Communication - lastly, but by no means least communication has helped separate the inspiring from the forgettable. Whether it's good news, challenges, or general updates, people like to be communicated to. No one wants to be left as a mushroom (left in the dark) so talking to your team in a way that keeps them abreast of where you all are in your mission is imperative. Also, delivering bad news in a way that recognises that people may have further questions, is also key. By being available for further questions thereafter has helped to smooth tricky situations over, and have ultimately saved head count too. 

Many of the traits I have spoken about sound very straightforward and the good news is, they are. It’s very interesting to see that the most successful and interesting businesses that I have worked with are owned by individuals who have a passion not only for their business vision but for the people who they bring on board. In the world of business which at times can seem a little of whirlwind, reminding yourselves of the basics will help you keep your head, when other competitors will be losing theirs.