In the Pursuit of Collective Improvement and Humanity
Being a good boss is perceived differently; however, I feel some attributes of good bosses are known. Good bosses have grit manifested through a relentless restlessness; and good bosses promote the collective improvement of performance and humanity.
I recently read the book, “Good boss, bad boss” that mentions relentless restlessness in the context of grit. A boss looks unceasingly and deeply for opportunities for improvement for themselves and their direct reports. The visual of a restless fifty-something manager, nervous, sweating on their brow, relentlessly opening and closing doors down a long hallway, looking for ways to improve resonated with me.
The pandemic has affected us all. Bosses, good and bad, are experiencing COVID fatigue. We continue to work-from-home where it is difficult to gauge improvements from our kitchen tables. However, it remains important for the good boss to promote collective improvements even in our physical and social isolation and humanity. A good boss seeks both. We all need to articulate compassion and empathy. Demonstrating humanity during the pandemic will be the litmus test of a good boss and a bad boss.
My style is charismatic, energetic, and hopefully, empathetic. As a 2nd level manager, I strive to show humanity to my supervisors which in terms is an example to front line workers. Similarly, demonstrating grit through relentless restlessness to my peers shows my willingness to seek out new ways of doing work.
At the beginning of the pandemic, we held back changes to implement. We all hoped our situation was temporary. That we would return to normal. I have been restless in the last eleven months. The time is now. We must work to instill a relentless restlessness even from our home offices. We also offer humanity and show care and support to those who need more help with a common goal so that someday, we may all feel connected again.
For further reading, visit:
https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/books/good-boss-bad-boss-how-be-best-learn-worst
