# 7 Unique Traits of Exceptional Bosses That Employees Appreciate
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Chapter 1: The Power of Connection
During a particularly tough day, I found myself sitting in an old military barracks, feeling drained. As I looked at the wall beside me, I noticed a humorous note that read, "Flush twice, it's a long way to the chow hall." This simple phrase made me chuckle and relieved some of my stress.
Humor has always been a powerful tool, even in the military, where it provided mental breaks and fostered resilience amidst challenges. Leaders who effectively incorporate humor in difficult times tend to be well-regarded, and this principle applies in the corporate realm as well.
Here are several unique traits of exceptional bosses that employees truly appreciate.
Section 1.1: Genuine Development of Employees
The most remarkable bosses I've encountered genuinely invested time in my growth—not just professionally but personally. Their excitement about my achievements acted as a powerful motivator. They trained me to become a leader, not out of self-interest but because they saw value in nurturing talent, even if it meant I might surpass them in rank someday.
Good leaders willingly share their time and enthusiasm for the development of others. As Jack Welch wisely said, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
Section 1.2: Humor in Challenging Times
Effective leaders possess the ability to maintain a broader perspective, which helps them remain emotionally stable during tough moments. Tactful humor can alleviate stress and boost resilience. However, humor must be used thoughtfully to avoid coming across as disrespectful or offensive; it needs to be accompanied by tact to be effective.
Henry Ward Beecher aptly noted, “A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It's jolted by every pebble on the road.”
Subsection 1.2.1: Understanding When to Push or Pull Back
Great bosses excel at reading people. They know when to encourage someone to step out of their comfort zone and when to give them space. A skilled leader navigates emotions like a conductor, adjusting their approach based on the nuances they observe in others.
This emotional intelligence is rooted in empathy and selflessness, requiring you to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. David Caruso emphasized, “It is very important to understand that emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence, it is not the triumph of heart over head — it is the unique intersection of both.”
Section 1.3: Authentic Interest in Employees
The best leaders show genuine interest in their team members as individuals rather than mere cogs in a machine. When a boss demonstrates that they value you as a person, it creates a cycle of mutual appreciation. While it’s natural not to connect with every individual you lead, you can still express love and respect for them as fellow human beings.
Coach Vince Lombardi captured this sentiment well, saying, “I don't necessarily have to like my players and associates but as their leader I must love them. Love is loyalty, love is teamwork, love respects the dignity of the individual. This is the strength of any organization.”
Chapter 2: Consistency and Respect
The first video titled "7 Weirdest Things You Had a Boss Fight Against" explores unusual challenges faced by employees in their workplaces, showcasing the unexpected dynamics of boss-employee interactions.
Section 2.1: Integrity in Leadership
Great leaders are authentic, maintaining their core values both in public and private settings. They consistently model the behavior they wish to see in their teams, embodying the principle of leading by example. This level of consistency fosters trust and respect.
As Sabrina Horn remarked, “How we enter and honor our relationships, treat others and ourselves, give and receive — these are all measures of life lived with integrity.”
Section 2.2: The Value of Listening
Some leaders feel compelled to fill every silence with words, but the best ones understand the power of pause. Those who think before speaking and refrain from interrupting earn extra respect from their teams.
Larry King wisely stated, “I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I'm going to learn, I must do it by listening.”
Section 2.3: Efficient Meetings Out of Respect
Meetings are often necessary yet typically dreaded. Research indicates that many would prefer to engage in less appealing activities than attend an inefficient meeting. Good leaders strike a balance between information sharing and keeping discussions focused, ensuring that meetings respect everyone’s time.
Dave Barry humorously noted, “If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be 'meetings.'”
Final Thoughts
You might already be an effective boss, but incorporating the above traits can elevate your leadership to greatness. If some of these points are unfamiliar to you, it’s likely that your team is eager for your guidance. Embrace these principles, and both you and those you lead will benefit.
And remember, when in doubt, always flush twice—it’s a long way to the chow hall.
The second video titled "7 Bosses With a Weird Weakness You Exploited Ruthlessly: Commenter Edition" dives into the quirks of bosses that employees have cleverly navigated, shedding light on the unpredictable nature of leadership.