Are you the type of boss your team will remember?

We all remember that one (or if you’re lucky more than one) boss that really made a difference to our working life, sometimes for good reasons and sometimes not so good…but let’s stay focused on the positives!

Bosses can play a huge role in how we feel about or work and workplace. If we feel supported, challenged, engaged and understood we enjoy our work more and are more productive. If on the other hand we don’t have a positive relationship with the person or people we report to, our working life can be less engaging and more challenging.

Let’s not forget though that bosses are people too! They don’t always get it right and they don’t know everything – they can’t be everything to everyone. However, some of the things that great bosses do are:

• Provide growth opportunities

• Challenge and stretch us

• Listen and invite feedback

• Lead by example

• Open up new career pathways

• Let us know we matter

• Acknowledge when they do something wrong

• Recognise and reward us

• Forgive our mistakes

• Hold us to account

As people leaders and managers we need to make sure we are creating safe and positive workspaces for out teams. Strong employee engagement, connectedness and team cohesion leads to increased productivity and improved retention. Don’t forget to take the time to reflect on your time as a boss and some of the great things you’ve done for your team members.

Equally, look ahead to the type of team and business you want in the future and make sure you are doing what you can as a boss to support your people to deliver your vision. Be a memorable boss!