7/1/2014

10 Things Only Exceptional Bosses Give Employees | LinkedIn

Jeff Haden

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Good bosses have strong organizational skills. Good bosses have solid decision-making
skills. Good bosses get important things done.

Frazer Middleton
Your rsum is incredibly
boring.

Exceptional bosses do all of the above -- and more. (And we remember them forever.) Sure,
they care about their company and customers, their vendors and suppliers. But most
importantly, they care to an exceptional degree about the people who work for them.

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And that's why they're so rare.

Extraordinary bosses give every employee:

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1. Autonomy and independence.

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Great organizations are built on optimizing processes and procedures. Still, every task
doesn't deserve a best practice or a micro-managed approach. (Here's looking at you,
manufacturing industry.)
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Engagement and satisfaction are largely based on autonomy and independence. I care when
it's "mine." I care when I'm in charge and feel empowered to do what's right.
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Plus, freedom breeds innovation: Even heavily process-oriented positions have room for
different approaches. (Still looking at you, manufacturing.)

Mubadala Petroleum

Whenever possible, give your employees the autonomy and independence to work the way
they work best. When you do, they almost always find ways to do their jobs better than you
imagined possible.
2. Clear expectations.
While every job should include some degree of independence, every job does also need
basic expectations for how specific situations should be handled.
Criticize an employee for offering a discount to an irate customer today even though
yesterday that was standard practice and you make that employee's job impossible. Few
things are more stressful than not knowing what is expected from one day to the next.
When an exceptional boss changes a standard or guideline, she communicates those
changes first -- and when that is not possible, she takes the time to explain why she made the
decision she made, and what she expects in the future.
3. Meaningful objectives.

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Almost everyone is competitive; often the best employees are extremely competitive-especially with themselves. Meaningful targets can create a sense of purpose and add a little

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7/1/2014

10 Things Only Exceptional Bosses Give Employees | LinkedIn

meaning to even the most repetitive tasks.
Plus, goals are fun. Without a meaningful goal to shoot for, work is just work.
No one likes work.
4. A true sense of purpose.
Everyone likes to feel a part of something bigger. Everyone loves to feel that sense of
teamwork and esprit de corps that turns a group of individuals into a real team.
The best missions involve making a real impact on the lives of the customers you serve. Let
employees know what you want to achieve for your business, for your customers, and even
your community. And if you can, let them create a few missions of their own.
Feeling a true purpose starts with knowing what to care about and, more importantly, why to
care.
5. Opportunities to provide significant input.
Engaged employees have ideas; take away opportunities for them to make suggestions, or
instantly disregard their ideas without consideration, and they immediately disengage.
That's why exceptional bosses make it incredibly easy for employees to offer suggestions.
They ask leading questions. They probe gently. They help employees feel comfortable
proposing new ways to get things done. When an idea isn't feasible, they always take the
time to explain why.
Great bosses know that employees who make suggestions care about the company, so they
ensure those employees know their input is valued -- and appreciated.
6. A real sense of connection.
Every employee works for a paycheck (otherwise they would do volunteer work), but every
employee wants to work for more than a paycheck: They want to work with and for people
they respect and admire--and with and for people who respect and admire them.
That's why a kind word, a quick discussion about family, an informal conversation to ask if an
employee needs any help -- those moments are much more important than group meetings or
formal evaluations.
A true sense of connection is personal. That's why exceptional bosses show they see and
appreciate the person, not just the worker.
7. Reliable consistency.
Most people don't mind a boss who is strict, demanding, and quick to offer (not always
positive) feedback, as long as he or she treats every employee fairly.
(Great bosses treat each employee differently but they also treat every employee fairly.
There's a big difference.)
Exceptional bosses know the key to showing employees they are consistent and fair is
communication: The more employees understand why a decision was made, the less likely
they are to assume unfair treatment or favoritism.
8. Private criticism.
No employee is perfect. Every employee needs constructive feedback. Every employee
deserves constructive feedback. Good bosses give that feedback.
Great bosses always do it in private.
9. Public praise.
Every employee -- even a relatively poor performer -- does something well. Every employee
deserves praise and appreciation. It's easy to recognize some of your best employees
because they're consistently doing awesome things. (Maybe consistent recognition is a
reason they're your best employees? Something to think about.)
You might have to work hard to find reasons to recognize an employee who simply meets
standards, but that's okay: A few words of recognition--especially public recognition--may be
the nudge an average performer needs to start becoming a great performer.
10. A chance for a meaningful future.
Every job should have the potential to lead to greater things. Exceptional bosses take the time
to develop employees for the job they someday hope to land, even if that job is with another
company.
How can you know what an employee hopes to do someday? Ask.
Employees will only care about your business after you first show you care about them. One
of the best ways is to show that while you certainly have hopes for your company's future,
you also have hopes for your employees' futures.

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10 Things Only Exceptional Bosses Give Employees | LinkedIn

Now it's your turn: What exceptional thing has a truly extraordinary boss done for you?
I also write for Inc.com:
20 Great Public Speaking Tips & 20 Great TED Talks
20 Awesome Things to Say That Will Dramatically Improve Your Life
Simple Daily Habits of Exceptionally Happy People
20 Great Productivity Tips Anyone Can Use
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413 comments

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Add your comment...

PRAMOD DAUNDKAR
OWNER at PRADA CONSULTANCY
TRUE LEADERS CREATE LEADERS NOT JUST FOLLOWERS..
Like (76)

Reply(3)

17 hours ago

Jean Nancy, Bob Raymond Kars, Vinod. C., +73

3 Replies

Christopher Fields
IT professional seeking a new opportunity to excel
Pramod just wanted to make sure the message got through LOUD and clear. ;-)
Like (1)

5 hours ago

Cheryl Mitchell

Dafne Torres
Founder and Principal Consultant at www.DynamicTechTeam.com
Tom Peters said that. Credit when credit is due. Actually, that should be Item #11
on the list!:)
Like (7)

10 hours ago

Dinesh Balaji, Volker Janssen, Steve Peterson, +4

Show More

Jason Snelling
Client Services Manager for Healthcare at BigHand
One of my old bosses gave me a mantra that I try to live by from a management point of view:
"A good manager always steps into the background when their team are doing well and steps
forward when things are going wrong."
Unfortunately there are a lot of bosses who, unfortunately, step forwards and take the glory in
the good times for other peoples work and then blame it on their team when things go wrong.
Like (77)

Reply(6)

17 hours ago

Bob Raymond Kars, Mandeep Jain, Richa Jha, +74

6 Replies

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7/1/2014

10 Things Only Exceptional Bosses Give Employees | LinkedIn

Johan Bastiaansen
In notice period at Construsoft
These must be very exceptional bosses indeed. The people I used to work for did
just the opposite.
Like (3)

8 hours ago

Heidi Dunnett - DeMarco, PMI, Fiona Rose, and Sanjit Phookun

Lucy Brown
Head of Business Development - Cloud/LoB - Middle and Eastern Europe at
SAP
I was going to say exactly that also Jason!
A true leader also leads by mobilising those around them to want to believe and
deliver, not because they have to.
Like (1)

10 hours ago

Fiona Rose

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Sam Kishaish
I write about leadership, technology and philosophy. If you like my comments, why not
follow me on LinkedIn?
It's quite sad that things like "clear expectations" and "reliable consistency" is so rare that
mangers who can give it have to be considered exceptional. You wouldn't accept an
accountant that can't do basic maths or a driver who didn't know which pedal was the gas and
which was the break. Why do companies accept (even promote) managers who can't provide
these basic skills for their job?!?
Like (45)

Reply(12)

17 hours ago

Sharayu Kini, LaVasha Lobbins, M.Ed., PMP, CMP, Caitlin Kingston, +42
12 Replies

Rok Guli
Inter-Connect your clients, suppliers and employees. Support your business
ecoystem with tailored solutions! Connect now
Managing 10 people or managing a big company with hundreds of people is not the
same and so are the skills for managing! Than again what is management and
what is leadership, where is the line? At the end of the road YOU GOT TO KNOW
YOUR BUSINESS....management skills help, but alone don't stand a chance.
Like

8 hours ago

Larry Olson
Chief Meteorologist at Double Down Weather Service
That would be 'brakes'. Broken brakes are a cause for concern. lol
Like

8 hours ago

Show More

Louisa Chan
Business Coach Helping Coaches and Trainers Grow Heart-Centered Businesses Via
Digital Marketing and Social Media
Great list. The common thread connecting these points - they have little to do with monetary
reward but are concerned with giving the team member the opportunity to bring her best and
participate in something bigger and better.
Like (17)

Reply(1)

17 hours ago

Jrgen Lund, Karent Camarena, Jessica Liu, CSP, CSM, +14

1 Reply

Elizabeth Follows
Experienced Account Manager
That is the key sometimes. Monetary reward is a great thing, but to be able to
bring your best to the position with the help and assistance and guidance of senior
management means more to me.
Like (2)

14 hours ago

Louisa Chan and Robin Couch

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10 Things Only Exceptional Bosses Give Employees | LinkedIn

Tomislav Ciceli
Head of NSDI Division at State Geodetic Administration
Very nice and true. I would add only one thing that can be read between the lines: Exceptional boss
believes its employees and does not feel afraid of their knowledge.
Like (5)

Reply(2)

17 hours ago

Patty Weisdorf, Lilian Tao, Amy Andres, +2

2 Replies

Lilian Tao
Business Analyst at Ford Motor Company
So true! But very sad that there are managers who not only did not have the skills and
knowledge as the employees, but micro managed the employees purely out of their insecurity or
fear that they could be cut out in the projects. It's hard to understand how these people were
promoted to manager positions. A good indicator of such an "incompetent"manager is the high
turnover in his/her team. Watch how soon a newly hired (highly skillful employee) quit, and how
often this happens a year. It pretty much tells you where the problem is.
Like (2)

11 hours ago

Sanjit Phookun and Patty Weisdorf

Perry Caro
Experienced Engineering Manager & Software Engineer
Hear, hear. If every one of my team members isn't smarter or more skilled than me in some
way, I'm doing something wrong.
Like (3)

14 hours ago

Binal Bhavsar, Angela Muriuki, and Amy Andres

Michelle Davies
Client Services Director at Bright Blue Day Ltd
This is fantastic and something every manager should be aspiring to achieve. It's something I
feel very strongly about. Exceptional leaders are never forgotten. They, like the amazing
Primary (Elementary) school teacher you had that made such an impression on you in your
informative years, help shape your career and your attitude to your professional life. If as a
manager you don't care about those who work with/for/alongside you - my opinion is that you
should consider finding a role that will allow you to achieve your desired professional goals, but
will not impact negatively on anyone else. Leadership is not for everyone, and admitting this is
hard, but a step back or to the side can have a really positive impact on business and people.
Like (10)

Reply

17 hours ago

Cathy Perraud, Jrgen Lund, Patty Weisdorf, +7

Julie Allongue
A Builder of Enduring Product Lines, specializing in Identifying Opportunities &
Pragmatic Foundation Building
expounding upon #5... exceptional bosses actively listen. When they hear an interesting idea,
they're willing to risk a change in priorities to investigate, and empower the employee to prove
out the concept.
Like (6)

Reply(1)

17 hours ago

Virginia McClellan, CMD, Robin Couch, Catherine Finogenova, +3

1 Reply

Elizabeth Beck
Group Product Manager at U.S. Bank
I agree Julie. In addition, for me an exceptional boss allows me to have an honest
dialog with them. They are not fearful about hearing the bad news, or why their
suggestion might not be the best fit for the situation.
Like (3)

15 hours ago

Virginia McClellan, CMD, Robin Couch, and Perry Caro

Rhoda Navarro
Volunteer Engagement
Extraordinary bosses give every employee: the opportunity to succeed and helps to step to the
ladder!
Like (8)

Reply

17 hours ago

Sinta Heriyanti, SH., MM, Sanjit Phookun, Margaux Damain, +5

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7/1/2014

10 Things Only Exceptional Bosses Give Employees | LinkedIn

David V.
Staff Sr. Specialist (IrysChip) @ BioNano Genomics Inc. - Altogether Better!
How about respect.
Like (3)

Reply(2)

17 hours ago

Ravishankar Palaniappan, Daniel Baxter, and Julie Wray

2 Replies

Pieter Haasbroek
Expatriate Accountant, Controller, Finance Manager available for expat role
One, some or all of the points raised in the article implies some level of respect towards your
employees. The level of respect can be expected to decrease the fewer of the above points are
observed.
Like (1)

11 hours ago

David V.

Perry Caro
Experienced Engineering Manager & Software Engineer
What aspect of respect? I read "Opportunities to provide significant input" as a way to respect
the experience and creativity of team members. I read "public praise" as a way to respect the
accomplishments of a contributor. I think respect is embodied in some of the concrete actions
in the list.
But if by respect you mean integrity and accountability, I'm with you. If your team makes a
mistake, take responsibility for it. If you make a mistake, don't shift the blame to them. If
nobody makes a mistake, but your boss needs to blame someone, don't throw your team (or
your colleagues) under the bus. Don't make a binding commitment and then silently reneg on it.
Don't make promises you can't keep.
Like (2)

13 hours ago

Barbara J McAdoo and David V.

Chitraxee Munjal
Associate Account Executive at Adfactors PR
Absolutely true. It is truly a pleasure working with such people. Not only does it keep you
happy, it also inspires you to do better work.
Like (6)

Reply

17 hours ago

Cheryl Mitchell, AGNE ZAMUISKAITE, Timo Kebel, +3

Claire Stead
Head of Marketing & Communications at Netpremacy Global Services | Google
Enterprise Premier Partner
The greatest boss I had was one who respected the fact that I had an opinion, gave me the
opportunity to vocalise it, and the freedom to run with it. He outlined goals for me in terms of
my career and gave me the tools I needed to be able to meet them and progress. He gave
constructive criticism when it was due but also gave praise in equal measure when it was
deserved, which made me feel valued.
Like (3)

Reply(1)

16 hours ago

Sandra Jones, Kim Ioannides, and Tony Romano

1 Reply

Perry Caro
Experienced Engineering Manager & Software Engineer
I really like your point about constructive criticism balanced by praise resulting in
your feeling valued. That's the feedback I've received as well. The upshot for me is
that criticism is like making a withdrawal from the good-will bank account. There
had better be a positive balance of public recognition of earned accomplishments,
or else you'll be overdrawn at the bank when it comes time to give some private
corrective feedback.
Like (1)

13 hours ago

Delisha C. Jackson

Shorayi Tichareva
Changing Lives through Talent Acquisition
Well said. Ultimately people leave Managers not jobs!!!!
Like (4)

Reply

10 hours ago

Priyankar Sen, Sanjit Phookun, Debbie Ashcraft, RN, +1

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7/1/2014

10 Things Only Exceptional Bosses Give Employees | LinkedIn

Joseph M. Seaton
CEO at Hawk Navigation Combat-Proven Leadership & Talent Consultant Qualified
US Army Ranger
Mangers Manage. LEADERS LEAD.
Like (3)

Reply(1)

15 hours ago

Priyankar Sen, Susan Sanford, and Ami-Marie Perry

1 Reply

Susan Sanford
Licensed Realtor at Re/Max Coast 2 Coast
RLTW
Like (1)

11 hours ago

Joseph M. Seaton

Fernando Maggi
Supply Chain Specialist, Strategic Sourcing
That is simple......REAL LEADER. Question: How should an employee react when your boss is
the quite opposite?
Like (2)

Reply(1)

17 hours ago

James Kelly and Audrey Lui

1 Reply

Audrey Lui
Experienced assistant administration manager looking for new chance
Good suggestion for Jeff! I would like to read that also~
Like

16 hours ago

Sean Dennis
Carrier Compliance Analyst at Walmart
one word WOW! Hit it right on the head
Like (2)

Reply

17 hours ago

Dafne Torres and Daniel Baxter

Jackie Foti
Marketing Assistant at Marquardt Village | Senior Living
Thank you for sharing this. Extraordinary bosses who nourish employees with these
philosophies probably have the highest success for their department and company, as well. As
I work on my leadership skills I will most definitely be keeping this article close for reference!
Like (2)

Reply

12 hours ago

Dafne Torres and Lawrence Lyle PMP, CSSGB

David Horsewood
Owner, Fire by Light LLC
We expect alot of our leaders, and rightly so. They took the job. Sometimes they were thrust
into the job, but occupying the slot brings responsibility. Most of us occupy multiple slots
(professional and personal) and own the corresponding responsibilities.
Like (2)

Reply

17 hours ago

Jen VonHagel and Daniel Baxter

Shweta Tayade
Research Scholar, MIS Incharge
A chance for a meaningful future!! Absolutely the most motivating one!!
Like (1)

Reply

17 hours ago

Kianti S.

spring wang
RD Director
Thanks for your sharing !!
Like (1)

Reply

18 hours ago

Daniel Baxter

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7/1/2014

10 Things Only Exceptional Bosses Give Employees | LinkedIn

Alma Dakaj
Management Consultant
Point 10: As I call it, where General and Personal purpose meet! Beautiful Jeff Haden
Like (1)

Reply

18 hours ago

Daniel Baxter

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