TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

The key to being a successful new boss

Here are several important tips to keep in mind if you want to become a successful boss.

News Desk (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Thu, August 10, 2017

Share This Article

Change Size

The key to being a successful new boss A good boss will be able to win over the respect of their subordinates if they are able to own up to their own mistakes and take responsibility where necessary. (Shutterstock/File)

M

ost of the articles that you can find about career development on the internet offer suggestions on how to impress the boss, or how you can get your boss to listen to your ideas. But what should you if you are the boss?

As you climb up the corporate ladder, being a leader seems like an indication of success, but surely by now you’ve realized that actually being a leader and taking on the responsibilities that come with the title isn’t always so easy. Here are several important tips to keep in mind if you want to become a successful boss as compiled by kompas.com:

Recruit the best team, and actually trust them

Employees work best when they feel trusted and empowered. Give them that. Create a work environment that ensures they feel valued, and refrain from constantly pestering them.

Many Harris, a managing editor, suggests that as a boss, you should always be present to offer support and feedback. However, at the end of the day you have to trust that your subordinates have the ability to think and make decisions on their own, and that you’ve hired someone fully capable of doing the job.

Read also: Common behavior of the worst bosses

Don’t be afraid to admit to your mistakes

A good boss will be able to win over the respect of their subordinates if they are able to own up to their own mistakes and take responsibility where necessary. In doing this, you will be able to build trust amongst your team.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion. This will not only allow you to make the most informed decisions, but it will also give encouragement to your subordinates. Accept that managers may also make mistakes, Nancy, an executive director, advises.

Master the job

There’s no better way to show your team that you know what you’re doing than actually being present and working with them. Subordinates will be more likely to become loyal and respectful if you can show them that you are willing to support the team every step of the way.

You won’t have to be involved in every detail of the work, but do keep an eye on them so that you can have clear insight into the tasks that the team is working on, as well as the obstacles that they may face. 

Read also: Ten truly remote places where your boss can’t track you down

Offer honest feedback

Oftentimes, we may feel reluctant to offer honest feedback, in fear that we may discourage, offend, or even anger members of the team. However, many employees actually prefer it when the boss is able to provide honest, constructive criticism.

While you may find these conversations difficult to have, feedback like these are important to ensure that the team’s progress continue to improve.

Be a good listener, and be prepared to offer solutions

As a leader, you have to be a good listener. This means carefully listening to members of your team, and ensuring that you stay aware and knowledgeable of the problem.

Remember that your subordinates will look up to you for guidance, so be prepared to focus on helping them come up with a solution. (tha/kes)

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.