|
 Trevor Gay, author of “Simplicity Is the Key”, has come up with a
basic list of the differences between good and bad bosses. His
thirty-five years of experience working for the UK’s National
Health Service has given him these practical and useful
insights into management styles.
The worst bosses, in Trevor’s experience:
-Never seemed to be around when I needed them
-Always
wanted to know what I was doing
-Always asked me to justify
what I wanted to do
-Often said: “No, we can’t do
that”
-Gave the impression of being distrustful
-Didn’t
smile much
-Talked about themselves a lot.
In contrast, he observes that the best bosses:
-Inspire confidence
-Are humble
-Have
integrity
-Know what they are talking about
-Let
employees get on with things
-Are always there when
employees need help
-Usually say: “Yes, try it.”
If you want to evaluate your own status as a boss, there are a number of places to look for ideas and suggestions. The National Federation of Independent Business, a nonprofit advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses, suggests asking yourself the following questions:
1. Have you ever publicly criticized an employee?
2. Do you take credit for your employees’ work?
3. Do your employees fear you?
4. Do you expect employees to do what you tell them without question?
5. Do you believe employees should know what to do without you telling them or providing guidelines?
6. Are you a yeller?
7. Do you demean employees as a form of punishment?
8. Do you play favorites?
9. Do you hate delegating?
10. Do you check everyone’s work?
The more “yes” answers, the greater the likelihood you are a bad boss.
If you want to evaluate your management prowess, try the free online evaluation at http://www.e-myth.com/. It will demonstrate in which areas you need to make the most improvements.
About Trevor Gay
I worked in the NHS from the age of sixteen until November 2004 when, at the age of fifty-two and having reached a senior management position, I decided that—as my late beloved Dad would have said—it was time for me to get a real job. I left the comfort blanket of NHS employment and a guaranteed pension to work independently as a healthcare management consultant, coach, trainer, and author. This followed the publication of my first book Simplicity is the Key, published in October 2004. The new world I occupy has its moments. Sometimes I worry about how I am going to eat next month, but then I remember that life is more than money. My wife Annie is my inspiration and always reminds me of what is really important.
Simplicity Web Site: www.simplicityisthekey.com/
Simplicity Blog: http://www.simplicityitk.blogspot.com/
If you have any comments or questions about this article, email trevor.simplicity@gmail.com.
About E-Myth Worldwide
E-Myth Worldwide is the pioneering business coaching company. E-Myth helps business owners to think strategically and develop systems to achieve predictable results. E-Myth's strategies for success are based on principles from the bestselling book, The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It. For 30 years E-Myth has helped business owners gain the skills and insight to become self-sufficient and gain more time, more money, and more life.
About the National Federation of Independent Business
NFIB is the nation's leading small-business advocacy association, with offices in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small- and independent-business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB's powerful network of grassroots activists send their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through its unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America's free enterprise system. NFIB's mission is to promote and protect the right of itsr members to own, operat,e and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com. |
In 1997, Brian Maloney and
Margie Fox had an idea: take the best practices from other PR
and marketing agencies and combine them into something new—a
place that valued everyone’s input; a place where people took
chances; and a place that embraced motivated, well-rounded
employees with lives outside the office. 
Sanford Brown is the Chief
Sales Officer for Heartland Payment Systems, which won the
Stevie® Award for Financial Services Sales Organization of the
Year in the 2007 Selling Power Sales Excellence Awards, which
the Stevie Awards jointly present with Selling Power magazine.
The awards were announced on December 6 at Caesars Palace in
Las Vegas. 
