Since 2017, BonBoss 's annual What Do You Think is a Good Boss? survey has been highlighting the qualities of managers. In December 2020, the results of 770 respondents pointed in a new direction.

According to the 2020 results, a good boss:

• Is a good communicator (listens and communicates).

• Is respectful.

• Supports his team.

  
  

In previous editions of the survey, sharing one's vision was seen as a priority for a good boss. Now, it's not even in the top 5. Why? Several factors can explain this. When everything changes, it's important to know where to go. However, it's important to focus on the present moment, while keeping the destination in mind. Since the start of the pandemic, we've lost our bearings and a form of stability. Now, we're going back to basics to rebuild. So we need to feel safe and then, one day, happy again. How? In my opinion, by starting by building healthy, fair, respectful workplaces where everyone's value is recognized.

The watchword? Let us now be good.

What is a good boss?

After three years of surveying employees and job seekers looking for a good employer, I can tell you this: a good boss is memorable. He can make the difference in a career. Conversely, a bad manager can harm progression as well as well-being.

Being a good boss is complex and yet so simple. It’s about being yourself, and doing so in a role that requires constant adjustments. To achieve this, you need to know how to make the right decisions.

Take concrete action

Being a good boss means first deciding to act. Exit the bureaucrats who think without going into the field or getting their hands dirty, a good boss works and stays connected to reality. He does not imagine scenarios without being in contact with his employees. He knows how to move things forward and slow them down at the right time. He sails the boat with his crew. He does not sink it.

Moving forward

A good boss knows how to lead a company to prosperity, regardless of the market challenges. He creates a movement that generates value and not loss. He uses strategies, knows his industry and does not hesitate to challenge his team so that it targets solutions to the challenges encountered. His role is to clearly define the challenges and the destination, then let the experts do what they are good at. This is one of the reasons why it is mostly good bosses who are at the head of prosperous companies and committed teams.

In my eyes, a good boss also works for the good of the company and its employees. One does not go without the other. He knows it. So, he sets up mechanisms and tools that promote the development of his team members. Whether it is training, mentoring, a feedback system, harassment prevention, rest periods, etc. Happiness at work, on the other hand, will come. But he does not make it his hobby horse. Making intangible promises is not his signature.

Concrete, clear and useful. These are three words that he knows how to apply with agility.

To achieve this, he develops his management skills. For example, he will carefully look at the efficiency of the system, the technology and the operations that allow the work to be carried out. Then, he will guide his team, develop it and ensure that it is autonomous in this same system.