The Boss Ses the Pace for Others to Follow

By Jerry F. Smith

Webster’s defines the word, BOSS, as “an overseer of workmen, one who controls.”  I have never really liked that word.  I don’t like to be called boss.  I don’t feel like a boss, but a member of the team who has the responsibility of making the final decision – if necessary.  I prefer to be called an associate.  We are all associates.

Regardless of how you perceive the word, we are all either a boss or have a boss.   The following list is from a recent book I read titled, “How to Become a Better Boss.” Read it carefully and see if you agree.

1. People take their cues from the boss.  The boss sets the tone and the standards.
2. If the boss does everyone’s job, the employees will let him/her.
3. Because the company does what the boss does, the boss better perform, or the company won’t.
4. All employees, including the boss work for the client.  The client is the real boss.  And dissatisfied clients fire employees everyday.
5. Great companies and great bosses are constantly training, teaching, improving and growing their employees.
6. The great boss has three employee options: (a) groom’em (b) broom’em (c) do nothing.
7. “A” is for ability. “A” is for attitude.  Ability plus the right attitude adds up to an “A” player.  “A” players are winners.
8. As a boss, never forget that your success was not earned by you alone.
9. If you delegate without a schedule for a follow-up and inspection, you haven’t delegated, you have abdicated.
10. Never BE LITTLE, never BELITTLE.
11. Spend 90% of your time with your best people.
12. If the boss accepts mediocrity, mediocrity is what you get.

Let’s all work on becoming a better BOSS!