As we have long known, employees leave bosses, not organizations. A Gallup poll of over a million U.S. workers found that 75% of people who voluntarily quit their jobs did so because of their boss.
A recent article on FastCompany.com outlines three key traits to being a likable boss: clear communication, compassionate leadership, and setting realistic expectations are crucial.
Clear Communication
Clear communication is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Employees want transparency from their bosses—not just directives, but an understanding of the vision, direction, and priorities of the team. Articulating the “why” behind decisions is essential for alignment and motivation.
A good leader sets a clear foundation by defining roles, tasks, and expectations. Employees need to know what success looks like to align their efforts appropriately. Feedback should be regular, constructive, and actionable, fostering an environment where continuous learning and improvement are encouraged. Moreover, using plain language builds trust, as employees appreciate authenticity and simplicity. Even difficult messages, when delivered transparently and empathetically, are better received and understood. Don’t try to sugarcoat difficult messages – employees will see right through it and could view it as dishonesty.
Compassionate, Human-Centered Focus
Today’s workplace is fraught with stress and disengagement. According to the Gallup State of the Global Workplace 2023 Report, 59% of employees are disengaged, with many experiencing significant daily stress. This disengagement and stress contribute to high turnover rates, with over half of workers actively seeking new job opportunities.
To counteract this, compassionate leadership is essential. Good bosses show genuine care for their team’s well-being through regular check-ins and empathetic support. Understanding and addressing employees’ challenges helps in building a supportive work environment. Asking meaningful questions and showing sincere interest in employees’ responses fosters a sense of being valued and heard.
Human-centered leadership prioritizes people over tasks, recognizing that personal well-being drives performance. As Maya Angelou wisely noted, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Realistic Expectations
Clear and realistic expectations from a leader are vital. This includes setting achievable job requirements, behavioral standards, and maintaining a sustainable workload to prevent burnout. Leaders must ensure that employees have a clear understanding of their roles and what is expected of them, balancing ambition with achievability.
Flexibility in work design has become indispensable. Accommodating diverse working styles and personal circumstances enables employees to perform at their best. Good leaders recognize the importance of work-life balance and strive to create an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally allowing them to be the best version of themselves.
Clear communication, compassionate human-centered leadership, and realistic expectations are the pillars of great leadership. These leaders not only manage challenges but inspire and retain their teams, building trust and fostering stability. By creating a workplace where employees feel valued and empowered, we can set the standard for success and ensure a thriving, productive work environment.
How do you create a thriving workplace? Email me at mcorrado@aseonline.org
By Mary E. Corrado, courtesy of SBAM-approved partner, ASE.
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