Advice to Bosses

As a general rule, bosses or supervisors are not always the easiest persons to appreciate or give a shout-out to. These folks, after all, make the big bucks, often sit behind the big desks, have the best views from their offices, and have power over the lives of those reporting to them. Yes, I concede these organizational superiors have their share of challenges. I also acknowledge they often have a lengthy to-do list to tackle each day that goes beyond what those under them face. Still, I am usually not all that inclined to think of them with charity as President Washington urged his cabinet members do with each other.


Having said that, I offer up this entry as a "helping hand" to those supervisors who are striving to do well, yet are not able to connect with the members of their staff as much as they would like. Workers - those folks in the trenches - need to see the big boss. While they are not looking for their boss to be their BFF (best friend forever),they do want to know the boss is looking out for them. As has been demonstrated by various researchers over the years, people carry with them a sense of belonging. All of us gain a sense of security, safety and affirmation when this need is met. At the work place, the boss can provide this need like nobody else.


This is why I always feel a real let-down when I observe bosses who fail to appreciate or understand this need those under them have. Instead, the bosses get caught up on addressing the papers, notes, messages, etc. in their in-box and lost sight of the most important aspect of their job: their staffs. Even though bosses have power, their days do not belong to them any more than a parent's day belongs totally to them. The child has needs which include having some level of in-person contact with Mom and/or Dad. Staff members need that as well. Direct interaction communicates a powerful message that includes regard, concern and togetherness. What's better than all that?