We often read about the type of bosses employees want, but we seldom read about the type of employees bosses want. So I thought it timely to compile a short list of what bosses want from their employees:
- Problems and Solutions. Employees often come to their bosses with problems. While this is not wrong, some might even argue that this is the way it should be, but as a boss I want an employee to come to me with the problem, and with possible solutions, for us to discuss and decide on a course of action.
- Make decisions. This especially applies to managers. If the solution is within your authority to implement, implement it and keep me informed. Referring a problem that is your responsibility (and within your authority) to solve, means that I am doing your job. And if I am doing your job, then why do I need you.
- Take responsibility. As a boss, whenever I delegate responsibility for a task, I also delegate the authority to accomplish that task. If you feel confident enough to make decisions and take credit for the success, then you must also have the moral courage to take responsibility for the failure. If something goes wrong, promptly admit you made a mistake, discuss the solution with me (if you need to), then go solve the problem. Don’t make excuses. Excuses don’t solve problems.
- Motivate yourself. As an…
