Good and Bad Leadership

"Remember the difference between a boss and a leader; a boss says 'Go', a leader says 'Let's Go!" - E. M. Kelly

I have worked with some great people over the many years and many jobs I've had.

I was reflecting on some of the past leaders and managers I've worked for. Both the good and the bad. Ones that I loved working for and others that I hated working for.

The poor leaders:

• Had bad attitudes
• Super hard on the people they didn't believe in
• Often played favorites
• Inconsistent leadership style
• Focused more on the task than who was doing it
• Quick to place blame
• Do as I say, not as I do mentality
• My way or the highway way of thinking
• Always thought they were right
• Did most of the talking
• What have you done for me attitude
• Would strike fear to get people to get things done

 The great leaders:

• Had great attitudes
• Worked hard on building up and developing people
• Always fair and consistent
• Put people first, and the work always took care of itself
• Always looking for ways to improve themselves and others
• Lead by example
• Open to input and ideas
• Always willing to learn new ways of doing things
• Listened more than they talked
• Always looking for ways to support
• Inspired people to want to get things done

I have always said and believed, however, that I learned a lot from all managers. Of course, from the good managers, I learned to work to be a better manager myself. I knew who I wanted to emulate. I learned some new concepts and ways to motivate others.

And from the ones that were more challenging managers. I learned a lot from them too. Not just what I didn't want to do as a manager. But I also learned how to deal with different leaders. I learned resilience. I learned patience. I learned to stay cool under pressure and calm through chaos. I learned how to have thick skin and not to take everything personally. I learned how to support and offset managing styles to get the best possible outcomes from colleagues and coworkers. I learned the importance of balance and focus. I learned adaptability and how to be flexible. Never waste an excellent opportunity to learn from a bad boss.

I think as managers, typically, the thinking is how to get the best out of your employees. But I think it goes both ways, and there is a way to get the best out of your manager. Either way, there is something positive to be gained and learned from both experiences. The interesting thing about this, however, is this can be applied to life in general too!

Make today great!

Curtis

"We get through life and this is part of the education process. In real life, we meet bad bosses and good bosses and good friends and bad friends." - Philippe Falardeau