Be a Better Boss in 2015

Posted on December 18, 2014 in Consulting

My first boss in the practice of law was the best boss anyone could ask for.  He gave me great projects and threw me into experiences other lawyers of my young tenure were not so privileged to be provided.  Once, my boss almost got in a physical altercation with an opposing counsel who was giving him grief about letting me handle a case against him.  My wife still feels bad that I left the job to relocate to Houston for her – an obvious good trade that he understood.

Fully appreciative that there is always room for improvement, I write today about how I and others could be a better boss.

Listen

Bosses often speak more and listen less.  Just ask Amanda and Margo.  It’s not intentional.  The problem stems from constant demands, the pressure to multitask, and a society that requires instant feedback.  We just move too fast.  Managers should slow down and make sure they take time to appreciate what their team is thinking.

Trust

If you (the boss) have done your job correctly and hired the right person, then you should trust that employee to do their job.  I still remember my first assignment as a lawyer because I was so stunned my boss of just two weeks trusted me with the project.  I was sent to conduct a sexual harassment investigation with a client I had never met.  My strong performance was, in part, because my new boss had shown such trust in me that I was committed to the project.   Trust breeds confidence and positive results will follow.

 Guide

A great boss enjoys mentoring. It requires patience and time, but the rewards should be outstanding. Take the time to sit down with your team members to help them each develop a business plan.  Help your team set goals and most important, work with them on setting realistic steps to achieving those goals.  Help the team stay on track by measuring successes and assisting in keeping people focused.

Learn

I remember the first time I told a great boss that I thought there was error in some guidance he had offered because of a recent change in the law.  I was right, and he was abundantly appreciative.    As you might guess, I have seen very different reactions from superiors who were less concerned with accuracy and more concerned with ego.  These days, I can tell you with no doubt that I learn plenty from younger lawyers in our office.

I leave you with this thought.  Never underestimate that people are better at their jobs if they like and respect their boss.  Be a better boss and help create a better workplace.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.