Boss Up! Boss On!

by | | Be the Boss, Book Reviews, Boss On, Boss Up, Gaining an Edge, Get Better, Go Full Speed, Goal Setting, Growth, Management Development, Professional Development

Which Boss would you rather have:

#1:  The screamer who gets in everybody’s business and can be a tyrant?

Or

#2:  The wimp who hides while chaos and conflict run rampant?

In my experience, Boss #2 is the worst.

Why?

Boss #1 already has the drive, they just lack the emotional intelligence and proper skill to do the job.

Boss #2 on the other hand seems to be afraid to step up.  They are the topic of this post and if you happen to be like Boss #2, this one is especially for you.

The remedy is two-fold. First, we use the term Boss Up and then we use Boss On.

Boss Up

Boss Up means getting the necessary skills to do the job.  If you happen to be lacking here, I suggest the following:

  1. Workshops (like my Boss Builder Academy or Driving Results workshops).
  2. Reading – at least one hour per day (check out my recommended reading list HERE.)
  3. Podcasts (start with the Boss Builder Podcast)
  4. Coaching (Get a certified coach for best results.  I recommend Margi Bush who is a regular contributor to my Podcast.)

Boss On

Boss On means getting out and acting like a Boss should!  Here are some recommendations:

  1. Dress the part.  Not every workplace wears formal clothes but try dressing one step above.  Something as simple as ironing your clothing or shining shoes, even in a production environment sends a positive message.
  2. Act the part.  Keep your emotions in check.
  3. Find a new peer group. When you become The Boss, you can no longer hang with your old crowd.  Get to know fellow supervisors and managers and begin associating there.
  4. Think strategically. You are responsible for results now. Every decision you make has greater consequences.  It’s Company first, your own motives second.
  5. Build rapport.  Get out and engage your direct reports on a regular basis, not just at review time and when they screw up.  Be present.  Check in and greet them every morning.  Treat them like fellow humans.

Being The Boss isn’t easy. You’ll never do it well until you make it a formal development process.  Start with Boss Up and get busy learning.  Boss On happens now.  If nothing else, just focus on communication and rapport.

I make a living working with bad bosses and new bosses.  You have an excuse if you’re a new boss, but none if you’re a bad one!

Boss Up!

Boss On!