Surveys have repeatedly proven that one of the biggest reasons for people leaving an organisation is their boss. To be an ideal leader or boss is an eternal challenge. A good boss is not produced in B-schools, nor in management lectures—even mine! But Chanakya gives us a hint, “And, in all cases, he should favour the stricken (subjects) like a father.”
In our own homes, the role of a father has been well-defined. He is full of love and concern. At the same time, he is also a strict disciplinarian. But whatever the case, a father will never abandon his children.
Here are some tips for you to adopt in order to become a good boss:
Understand them
Always remember that an employee is not just a money-generating machine. They have a life outside the office. They have a family, a friend circle, and also various interests and hobbies. It is important to understand them as a ‘total’ personality. Once you understand their expectations, it will become easy to manage those expectations. Only then will you be able to tune into your employees.
Give time to educate them
No good parent will ever expect the child to work and make money for them from day one. Similar is the case with your employees. They have to be educated, instructed, and prepared before they meet the bigger challenges. Even you have to be a part of their training and development. No, doubt, they will make mistakes and, just like children fall when they try to walk, so will employees in the course of their duty. But with support and self-confidence, they will one day run faster than you.
Discipline with love
The greatest challenge for any parent is to know the balance between discipline and love. The solution is love with discipline and disciple with love. An area has to be demarcated—a framework has to introduced, going beyond which can prove dangerous to everyone. Subordinates, like children, are full of energy and enthusiasm. It is important to encourage their creativity. But it is equally important to give direction to their work. Discipline, coupled with love, is the answer.
Finally, whatever we do, remember that no classroom teaching or lecturing can achieve what one learns from direct experience. Therefore, in your own maturity, understand that in spite of the best efforts, the employee may still make the same mistakes that you did. Accept it with love and grace.