Good Boss or Bad Boss?

Let’s step into a nightmare.

You’re in the kitchen and decide to go for a snack. You are reaching for the cookies when your boss enters the room and says, “Don’t eat those. They’re for the staff meeting.” Your boss quietly but quickly turns around and leaves the room.

You stick your hand into the jar to reach for the cookie when you hear, “I told you not to eat those!” You turn around to see your boss glaring at you. You’ve just been caught by your boss eating the same cookies he told you not to eat. He says, “Go to your room. You are grounded until the end of time!”

Then you wake up.

You’ve probably had a boss who made you feel like a child. Maybe they were always critical or never acknowledged your good work. Whatever the case, we’ve all had to deal with bad manager qualities at some point in our careers.

But what makes a bad boss? And how can you tell if your boss is bad?

What makes a good boss? How can you tell if your boss is good?

Keep reading.

What Makes a Good Boss?

A good boss is someone who can help you achieve your goals. They will give you the resources and support you need to succeed. A good boss will also give you honest feedback to learn and grow.

A bad boss is someone who doesn’t care about your goals. They might micromanage you, or they might not give you any guidance at all. A boss with poor manager traits might also play favorites or constantly change the goalposts. 

If your boss has bad boss qualities, it’s probably pretty obvious. You probably feel like you’re not doing well, even when you are. You might feel like you’re being ignored or that your work is never good enough. If you’re constantly anxious or stressed at work, it might be time to look for a new job. 

Of course, not every boss is perfect. But if you feel like you’re constantly struggling and your boss is part of the problem, it might be time to move on or train your managers to improve.

Sometimes, we all need help. Especially in our pursuit of being a good boss. Do you have what it takes? If you think so and you’re in the home services industry, let us help you strategize. Book a call with Ryan Chute of Wizard of Sales® today.

Good Boss, Bad Boss Matters

Good bosses really matter. A good manager vs. a bad manager can literally be a matter of life or death.

No, really.

For 10 years, Swedish researchers at the Stress Research Institute in Stockholm studied 3,100 men. The study showcased the physical impression that bosses can have on the human body. Sixty percent of men with bosses they didn’t respect were more likely to suffer a heart attack. According to the Institute’s report, they were also at risk of developing a different life-threatening cardiac condition.

Here are a few other staggering statistics regarding the impact qualities of a bad supervisor can have on employees and even companies:

• According to The Huffington Post, 65 percent of employees would take a new boss over a pay raise.
• Employees with disliked managers were 60 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack. That’s according to the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
• Most companies, or 87 percent, say they don’t do an excellent job developing leaders at all levels.
• According to Deloitte University Press, most companies, or 86 percent, say developing new leaders is an “urgent” need.

Good Boss vs. Bad Boss

Try to think of the best boss you’ve ever had. I know, I know. Maybe it’s a little tricky but bear with me. 

Now, try to think of the worst boss you’ve ever had. It was easier to recall your worst boss than your best boss, right?

There’s a reason for that: research shows that bad managers have a far more significant impact on their employees than great bosses. That’s why knowing what makes a bad boss vs. good boss is important. Read on to learn more.

In Maintaining Culture at Work

A good boss can make all the difference in maintaining culture at work. A good boss will ensure the workplace is a positive environment where employees feel supported.

On the other hand, bad qualities of a boss create a toxic work environment, leading to stressed and unmotivated employees. Mean bosses can’t maintain culture because they don’t understand what it takes to make a positive work environment.

In Making a Mistake at Work

A good boss will understand that everyone makes mistakes and will be willing to help you learn from your mistake. The worst boss traits will make you feel like your error reflects your worth as an employee.

The worst types of bosses often micromanage their employees and never allow them to learn from their mistakes. It can lead to a feeling of incompetence among employees.

In Employee Performance

A good boss will help employees set goals and provide positive and constructive feedback. They will also create an environment where employees feel comfortable taking risks.

A bad boss will set unrealistic goals and give criticism that is more destructive than constructive. The qualities of a bad manager will make employees feel like they are constantly walking on eggshells. This environment can make employees feel anxious and stressed, negatively impacting their performance.

In Handling Negative Feedback

In handling negative feedback, good bosses will take the time to listen to their employees and try to understand their perspectives. They will also give specific, actionable feedback that is aimed at helping the employee improve.

Bad bosses, on the other hand, will either avoid giving negative feedback altogether or will be excessively critical. Bad boss characteristics can lead to employees feeling down on themselves and may cause them to lose motivation.

In Handling Behaviors of Employees

Good bosses will work to manage the behaviors of their employees in a way that is both effective and respectful. They will set clear expectations and provide consistent feedback.

However, bad supervisor traits may allow negative employee behavior to go unchecked. That can create a toxic work environment and lead to high turnover rates.

With New Solutions or Ideas

When presented with new solutions or ideas, good bosses will take the time to consider them. They will evaluate whether or not they are feasible and if they align with the company’s goals.

Conversely, certain types of bad managers may dismiss new ideas outright. That can lead to stagnation and a lack of innovation within the company.

In Employee Motivation

Good bosses know that employees must be motivated to do their best work. They will provide regular feedback and praise when warranted. They will also create an environment where employees feel like they can openly share ideas and concerns. Good bosses appreciate their employees.

On the other hand, bosses with bad manager characteristics may be overly critical or micromanage their employees. It can lead to a lack of trust and respect and, ultimately, decreased productivity.

With High Turnovers

Companies must train new employees continually, which can be costly. When there is a high turnover rate, it can be indicative of good management vs. bad management. Employees may feel unvalued or appreciated, so they will look for other opportunities. 

Good bosses, on the other hand, will work to create a positive environment where employees feel valued. They will also provide opportunities for growth and development. As a result, employees will be more likely to stay with the company long-term.

In conclusion, it is crucial to be a good boss to create a positive work environment and foster employee productivity. By contrast, bad manager behaviors can cause employees to feel disrespected and may ultimately lead to a decline in morale. When deciding the difference between a good leader and a bad leader, consider the impact of each one. It could change your work life.

Ready to rethink the way you run your business? In the home services industry? If you answer yes, book a call with Ryan Chute of Wizard of Sales® today.