Learning How to Become a Better Boss ...

The first of my tips on being a good boss is to value your staff and make them feel that their contribution is important. Employees are more motivated if they feel valued, whereas staff who are criticized and belittled by their boss soon lose motivation and enthusiasm for their job.

Part of managing your team is to identify their weak points and help them improve their performance. It may also help you decide who would be best assigned to each project or post. Handled well, working out someone's weak points will allow you to give them the right training: Be sure not to make them feel bad though.

The downside of being a boss is that sometimes you have to be tough and make unpopular decisions. But as well as having responsibilities towards your staff, you also have a responsibility towards your company. If you don't take a tough line when needed, you risk your staff walking all over you - and that means you won't be a very good boss.

Your staff should be able to confide in you if they have a problem that could affect their work. But do be discreet and keep any information to those who need to know. You should also avoid getting into a personal relationship with any of your staff, as it could be assumed that you will give that person preferential treatment.

A good boss builds a team that works well together. If there are any problems between your staff members then that won't happen. You will need to ensure that your team can cooperate with one another. This could involve choosing the right personalities to work together, ensuring that everyone pulls their weight, or speaking to anyone who's causing a problem for a co-worker.

Keep a watchful eye on your staff without making them feel that you're monitoring them all the time. If they're feeling unmotivated or having trouble with a task, encourage them and find out why they're struggling. Help them to feel more confident and capable.

Finally, get to know your staff. What kind of person are they? What might they need help with? Do they have a family? When is their birthday? Knowing your staff means that they will feel you are interested in them and that they are not just another staff member. It all helps create a more harmonious working environment.

Being a boss is not an easy progression if you're not used to giving instructions. You may have to make a tough call, or deal with difficult employees. And there may also be resentment if you've been promoted. But in spite of the challenges, being a boss is also rewarding as you see how you're progressing. Have you ever had a really awful boss?