Boss or Manager?

From a recent Sound ADvice newsletter my subscribers received this summer:

Are you a “Boss”?

As a verb, the Webster’s Dictionary says that to “boss” is, to order about in a domineering way. Poor customer service is often the result of interaction with people working for a boss who is not happy with their situation.

Or are you a “Manager’?

The same dictionary defines “manager” as, to handle or direct with a degree of skill. It even adds in, to treat with care.

The most successful managers today attempt to hire people who have a passion to do their jobs to the best of their ability…these people don’t need a boss. These employees need a manager who will give them access to the tools, training, people, resources, and environment that allows them to perform to the best of their ability.

If you’re a manager, here’s a challenge. Instead of giving your people a “to-do list”, try asking them to give you a “to-do list”. What do they need you to do to help them be more productive or deliver better customer service?

In our Top Ten Employee Happy-Makers, Happy-Maker #4 is, “360-Degree Feedback”…. asking your employees how YOU are doing.

Zig Ziglar said, “You can get whatever you want, as long as you are willing to help others get what they want. It’s also been said that you can be as successful as you want if you are willing to let others take the credit.” 

Taking an honest look at yourself to determine if you are a manager or a boss and then taking appropriate action will lead to a much more effective team.

Happy employees will deliver happy customers.

Happy-Maker #7 is “Creating Team Players”. Develop a team spirit where each player is dedicated to their teammates’ success. Any team is only as strong as its weakest player, and everyone should be encouraged to develop and help their fellow team members.