by Mike Stratfold

Created on: October 31, 2009   Last Updated: December 03, 2009

How to be an effective boss is one question that many managers will ask and this needs to be addressed considering some key areas that are outlined and briefly explained below.

Firstly,You must know how to use the five modern leadership styles, namely participative, delegative, directive, negotiative and consulting.
Once you have mastered all of these, then this is paramount to being a good boss.

Participative means to get in and help your staff when they are busy. This shows and demonstrates that you can complete the tasks as well.

Delegative means to give added responsibilities to those staff that deserve it.

Directive means to give direction to staff, especially young staff who need guidance and some direction.

Negotiative is useful where you can make deals with difficult employees, where you find out the staff members underlying needs and you use this as a basis for negotiation.

Consulting is where you ask the expert opinion of others around you which is good for you as a manager as you learn more and also allows the employee some participation in the decision making process.

Secondly, you must have a good set of work ground rules or policies for staff to follow so the staff know the rules and the boundaries within which to operate.

Thirdly, you must be empathetic and care for your employees and to set the examples when and where possible.

Fourth, you must focus on both the task and the people doing the task.

Fifth, you must give specific feedback to your staff which is both positive and constructive. By constructive I mean that the feedback cannot be negative in nature. This is an extremely important skill for managers to learn.

Sixth,You should also give your staff a three to six monthly effective performance appraisal, where you can set goals and set responsibilities for those staff around you. Some staff enjoy a challenge and added responsibility, whereas other staff just need some praise to motivate them.

Seventh, to also be a good boss you have to know how to motivate your staff.
This is best done by providing the following.
Job enrichment, where the employee learns new things about their job.
Job enlargement, where you give your staff added responsibility.
Job rotation, where you rotate the duties of staff members to prevent them from being bored.

In my opinion if you can do all of these things then you will be an excellent boss or manager.

Learn more about this author, Mike Stratfold.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.