Every October I get a statement from the Social Security administration.  It shows me how long I’ve been working, and what my wages have been.  I’ve been working steadily for the past 42 years.  I’m so tired of working; I’m especially tired of working for rotten bosses.  I’m looking at the last stretch before retirement.  Don’t get me wrong, as I have had some great bosses over the years.  I’ve even managed others for 15 years of my career.  I’m a college educated professional who is tired of being treated like a pimply faced teenager at McDonalds.

The first time I managed others, I decided that I would never treat my direct reports how I have been treated in the past.  I still talk to many people I have managed over the years.  Some tell me I’m the best boss they ever had. Aww, that’s always nice to hear. Plus the best part of keeping in contact with old co-workers is being able to hear when the rotten boss you worked for finally gets fired.

I so often wonder how people get management positions that are not even qualified to manage a midnight trip to the bathroom.  I got out of management because, well middle management sucks, and I’m too pro employee.  I think everyone in the work place should be treated with respect.  I don’t want my employees to kiss my butt just so that won’t lose their job.  I’ve seen so many abuses of power in my work life it’s disgusting.  Talking to human resources was always pointless.  They don’t care about the employees, it’s whatever management wants.

So here are some of my suggestions for being a good boss.

1. Respect your staff. Your subordinates will be much more productive, and make you look better if they are treated well.
2. Don’t expect your employees to work a crazy amount of hours just because you do. They have lives outside of work. Plus they usually make considerably less money than you do.
3. Be flexible. We all have kids, aging parents, you name it.  As long as the job gets done, don’t be a troll.
4. Listen to your staff’s suggestions. I’ve been working for many years, but I’m all about working smarter, not harder.  We all have a common goal at work.
5. Never comment negatively on your staff’s performance in front of others. Nothing makes me less productive than being humiliated in front of my co-workers.  This is probably the worst, especially if the boss has a twelfth grade education, and you have a Bachelor’s degree.
6. Show concern for your employee’s wellbeing. We all have different things we are dealing with.
7. Set a good example. Not the do as I say, not as I do.
8. Go to bat for your employees. I’ve done this time and again for my staff, and it’s always greatly appreciated.
9. Be honest. If you can’t give your employee a raise right now, try to give them more paid time off.  Flexible hours, etc.
10. Go the extra mile for your staff. I always gave gifts to my staff at Christmas, and their birthdays.  I also bought my staff gifts whenever I traveled. A lunch out on the boss is a nice gesture.

Believe me when I say a happy staff is a more productive staff. Not a staff that could care less if you got hit by a bus.