Posted on February 20, 2018 by Joe Tassinari

"Management is like parenthood – the job of both is to foster independence."

A good boss: "fosters independence" by listening, partnering and establishing consensus. 

A not so good boss: spits out directives in a top-down format, does not get employee buy-in, and is not very approachable.

One strategy to be a good boss …

Have each colleague that you directly manage:

1. Write a generalized list of their responsibilities.

2. Write a generalized list of their boss’s responsibilities to them.

• You, as the boss, do the same. You'll write down a general (brief) list of the employee's responsibilities and a general list of your responsibilities to them (as their boss).

3. Once 1 and 2 are achieved, sit with your colleague and go over what each person (employee and boss) wrote. Together, formalize a written “list of responsibilities” for their role and yours, establishing consensus on the work that needs to be done.

This delivers clarity of purpose, personal accountability and cooperative communication between colleagues.

Joe Tassinari is a staff development team coach and workshop facilitator. His trainings deliver improved trust, communication and leadership skills to groups.