Efective bosses and managers tend to:

Provide strong leadership and a clear vision

The captain must steer the ship. If leadership doesnt know where a project or company is
headed how can the company know! This isnt just about steps or deliverables either but a
clear vision of the department or companys future that he or she can communicate to the
employees.
Hold themselves and others accountable
"any bosses hold their staf accountable but the best show that they hold themselves
accountable as well. This means adhering to the same guidelines they set for their employees
and taking responsibility for both team successes and failures.
Good problem solver
#ne key thing the best bosses seem to have in common is that they are all consummate
problem solvers. They can not only spot them but brainstorm successful and innovative ways
to $% them.
Avoid micromanaging
The best bosses understand the art of delegation. "y commenter said something along the
lines of &Theyve $red themselves from their previous job' meaning that they dont interfere
in the day(to(day and minute(to(minute work)ow or processes. In essence learning to
delegate instead of micromanage is about trust.
Efective decision makers
Efective bosses must be efective decision makers. *e or she cannot vacillate over every
tiny decision. +eing able to make decisions ,uickly and decisively - and then take
responsibility for the outcome - is an important business skill especially when managing
others.
Put people frst
The best bosses understand that there must be a balance between the company or clients
needs and the needs of his or her employees. The best bosses are willing to listen and talk
about any issues an employee may be having because they understand that a happy
employee is a more productive employee.
Manage up, down, and sideways
"anagers are e%pected to manage the people below them on the corporate hierarchy but
the best managers also have ways of managing their superiors and coworkers on behalf of
their team. "any times this means efective communication managing e%pectations and
re,uesting help in a timely manner.
how Appreciation
Every employee wants a pat on the back once in a while and the best bosses understand
the importance of recogni.ing and appreciating employee contributions. This doesnt have to
mean bonuses or fancy corporate awards but regular and meaningful e%pressions of
appreciation.
!e Honest
Theres nothing worse than a boss who says one thing and does another and nothing
better than one who keeps his word. /ust as managers must trust their team employees must
trust their boss to have their best interests at heart.
!e "edicated and balanced
The very best bosses Ive seen are passionate about their work0 they live and breathe their
jobs and strive to do the best work possible. 1et at the same time they have lives outside of
work. They understand the need to balance family and work or play and work. 2nd they set a
good e%ample of how to do that for their employees.