The Good Boss, The Bad Boss

Hopefully, at some point in your career, you've had the chance to work with a truly good boss. If so, you’ll likely never forget them, and they’ve probably become a point of comparison for every leader who came after.

At work, your boss is absolutely essential for motivation and well-being.

I’ve personally worked for both good and bad managers. From all of them, I’ve learned something, some taught me how I don’t want to lead, and others inspired me with lasting insights and approaches.

🚫 Characteristics of a Bad Boss

Do you recognize any of these traits from personal experience?

• Indifference: A bad boss shows no real interest in you, only in your performance and output.

• Authoritarian behavior: A bad boss can act like a tyrant—using intimidation and threats to maintain control, keeping you constantly on edge. Good manners and respect are lacking.

• Unfairness: Plays favorites or holds grudges. Offers no support for your development. May even stir up competition among team members to divide and rule.

• Poor communication: Doesn’t listen, doesn’t share information openly, and is hard to reach. Feels distant and unapproachable.

• Inappropriate behaviour: May engage in discrimination or workplace bullying or turn a blind eye when others do.

• Excessive pressure: Sets unrealistic expectations and deadlines, leading to stress and burnout.

• Breach of trust: May share private or sensitive information (like your health issues) with others.

• Lack of empathy: Shows no understanding or support when you face personal challenges.

• Short-sightedness: Focuses only on quick wins, neglecting long-term goals and the well-being of the people.

  
  

✅ Five Qualities of a Good Boss

A good boss brings out the best in you. You feel safe to focus, grow, and reach your potential—knowing that your manager is there to support you when needed.

Here’s what defines a truly good leader:

1. Leadership: A good boss acts like a coach, motivating the team and guiding them toward shared goals.

2. Communication: Listens actively, speaks clearly, and encourages open dialogue. Keeps the team informed and inspired.

3. Empathy: Understands your needs and emotions. Shows genuine care, even when life outside of work gets tough.

4. Delegation: Knows how to distribute tasks wisely and trusts the team, offering space for growth and autonomy.

5. Fairness: Treats everyone with equal respect. Handles conflicts with integrity and makes decisions that are just.

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🔁 Your Role in the Relationship

If you are wondering what you can do to improve the relationship with your boss? Here are some practical steps:

• Communicate openly: Keep your boss in the loop about your work and ask for feedback.

• Take initiative: Show responsibility and suggest ideas or solutions to challenges.

• Keep developing your skills: Be proactive about your growth and learning.

• Give feedback to your boss: When you appreciate them for supporting you, let them know.

• Ask for feedback in return: Clarify expectations and gain insight into how you can improve.

• Be a team player: Engage in shared projects and show your ability to collaborate.

• Do your job well: This theme is perhaps the most essential, because when your performance is solid, there’s less room for friction, regardless of your boss’s style.

  
  

The Path to Better Leadership Is an Inner Journey

Self-awareness is the foundation of great leadership. It enables a leader to be a better teammate, to understand others, and to lead themselves effectively.

A good boss recognises both their strengths and weaknesses and is committed to growing continuously. Self-awareness also fosters a healthier team climate.

In my years of mentoring and coaching leaders, I’ve seen how increased self-awareness can reveal hidden strengths and bring out the best in both the leader and their team. People who were once considered “difficult” can suddenly be seen as valuable contributors, simply because their different set of strengths are better understood.

💡 Final Thought

People aren't bad by default. Early years emotional abandonment and crises in life may change people or push them into a reactive survival mode. Fear and uncertainty can build a brick wall, behind it is often a misunderstood or angry person.

If you learn to see through that facade, you might even be able to support a struggling boss. And remember, you always have the power to decide how you respond to your boss, or whether it’s time to move on.

“People will forget what you said and what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”— Maya Angelou