What’s a Good Boss

Do you tell employees what’s on your mind? Do you talk behind their backs? Do you listen to them and get to know them?

Communication is critical, at least according to a national telephone survey of 1,000 adults ages 18 and older. More than 37% said it takes “communication skills or interpersonal relationship skills” to be a good boss. Other results:

• Nineteen percent said the “ability to understand employees’ needs and help them develop their skills” is the most important ingredient in a good boss.
• The “ability to set clear goals and provide direction” was cited by another 19% of respondents.
• The “ability to make good day-to-day decisions” was cited by about 18%.

The survey was conducted Sept. 24-26, 1999.

SOURCE: Personnel Decisions International (PDI), Minneapolis, commissioned Market Facts, Inc. to do the survey.