Remember Where You Came From

So about a week ago I posted an article about the eight qualities of remarkable employees. It was inspired by an article by Jeff Haden and he is back at it again with the five qualities of remarkable bosses. I try to live by some of the qualities that Jeff points out like never asking an employee to do something that I would not do myself. But his last point really hit home. 

Always remember where you came from.

To some of your employees, especially new employees, you are at least slightly famous. You’re in charge. You’re the boss.

That's why an employee who wants to talk about something that seems inconsequential may just want to spend a few moments with you.

When that happens, you have a choice. You can blow the employee off… or you can see the moment for its true importance: A chance to inspire, reassure, motivate, and even give someone hope for greater things in their life. The higher you rise the greater the impact you can make—and the greater your responsibility to make that impact.

In the eyes of his or her employees, a remarkable boss is a star.

The pressures of trying to grow a startup make it so so easy to blow off an employee that wants to chat for a few minutes. A manager's most important job is to help their employee's do theirs. Doing that means being available for them when they need you, not just when it is convenient for you.

March 12, 2012  |  Comments  |  Tweet  |  Posted in Management