Are you the boss that you would want to have for yourself? This is the fundamental question that this article, an extract from the author’s book ‘Dare: Straight Talk on Confidence, Courage and Career’, asks. In order to answer the question, you need to look at three things:
- What qualities would your perfect boss have (long list)?
- Which of these do you do (likely shorter list)?
- For the shortfalls, come up with a written action plan on how you will incorporate these into your leadership.
The article also highlights other aspects such as improving your communication. Where I think it falls short, however, is in the first question. It is a good start, yet the question needs to be shifted to place the emphasis on your followers. What qualities would THEY want in a perfect boss? Although the questions are close, and there may even be significant overlap in the answers, your leadership needs to be focused on your followers.
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Is your leadership falling short? by Becky Blalock at The Globe and Mail on 6 November 2013.