No one intentionally sets out to become a bad boss. In fact, many small business owners are probably determined to be better than bosses they once had.
Watch out for these negative traits as you run your business:
- Manage by intimidation Some bosses confuse respect with fear and think employees must be intimidated into following instructions and avoiding mistakes. The opposite is usually true: stressed-out employees make more mistakes and then are afraid to admit them.
- Expect the worst Expect the worst and anything else is an improvement, right? Except that it’s likely to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Spread pessimism among your employees, expect them to mess up, and watch morale and productivity plummet. That doesn’t mean you should be a Pollyanna. It is ok to prepare for the worst, just try looking for the positive in most people and situations.
- Waffle An indecisive boss who continually second-guesses her own decisions and her employees’—or fails to make any decision at all—wastes time and undermines confidence in her abilities. Better to make an occasional mistake and correct it than constantly flip-flop.
- Micro-manage If you’ve built your own business, it’s reasonable to feel you know it better than anyone else. But when you have employees, you need to step back and let them assume the responsibilities you hired them for. They probably won’t do their jobs exactly as you would, but if they do them well, that’s what counts.
- Play favorites It’s only natural to “click” with some people more than others. But when those people are your employees, it comes off as favoritism. Overlooking someone’s shortcomings just because you’re pals doesn’t help them or you. And avoiding people you’re less comfortable with makes them feel unappreciated. You don’t have to be everyone’s best friend, but maintain a professional relationship with all your employees and make an effort to find common ground.
- Sandbag If an employee has a pattern of errors or unacceptable behavior, don’t wait until review time to dump all the bad news on them. Address and solve employee problems as they occur. It’s fresher in the employee’s mind and fairer to everyone.
- Hold court Of course your employees pay rapt attention to everything you say; they want to stay in your good graces. But curb the temptation to expound ad nauseum. Instead make meetings, emails, and informal discussions two-way conversations. You’ll show respect for your employees and probably learn a lot.
- Take credit, deflect blame Bad bosses are quick to accept accolades for all successes and pass on the blame for mistakes. There are unsung heroes behind most success stories. Share the credit and recognize excellence. Share the blame, too, when you deserve it.
- Avoid accountability Most businesses hold employee reviews. But how many give employees the chance to review the boss? Give employees a way to anonymously grade you as a boss. You probably won’t like everything you find out, but you could learn something that will help you become a better leader.
- Build walls Bad bosses create an “us against them” mentality where managers are the only ones privy to the big picture. They treat employees like unruly children who can’t be trusted. Good bosses share their vision with their employees and aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and pitch in when needed. The trust that results is a two-way street.
By recognizing the traits of a bad boss and nipping them in the bud, you can become the great boss you always planned to be.
Kelly Burkart is a freelance writer from Minneapolis, Minn. While she has spent most of her time writing about financial services the past 15 years, she has also explored and written about everything from cardiovascular health to travel, higher education and sustainable energy practices.
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