I think what makes a good boss a great boss is that a great boss will also support and challenge your growth in your career. I believe that’s what made my previous boss a great boss.
She noticed when I was struggling and supported me through some tough times while I was on her team; she was well aware of my non traditional software background and worked with me to grow and learn in my role. She challenged me to try a new area of software application.
Even though I’ve been off her team for 2 weeks (I talk about that here), she even followed up with me on my transition onto my new team at a potluck, which I briefly want to share.
Potluck conversations
I went to a potluck that previous boss hosted this past weekend. Even though I hadn’t worked with her in 2 weeks, it was great seeing her and my old team again.
As the night was winding down, most of the older people at the party left and it was just the young people. I was sitting by the pool while the rest of the people were at the jacuzzi. My boss walked over, sat down, and asked me how the party was going. She then followed up by asking how my team transition was going and how I liked the new project.
I’m not going to lie – I was caught very off guard by it because I wasn’t expecting her to follow up with me after leaving her team. I almost autopiloted my answer by saying “things are going good” (when they weren’t really); however, in the midst of my surprise and shock, I felt a sense of comfort in answering the question honestly. I let her know what was going on and how I felt. She listened intently, sympathized with me, and encouraged me to learn and grow in my new position.
It’s a bonus trait more than a standard trait
So why don’t all managers and bosses have this trait? At the end of the day, you and your boss are working in a business. Both of you are there to get stuff done. And if you do a great job, your boss can potentially reward you with better pay. It’s a pretty transactional relationship.
I think having a boss that notices how you are doing and supports you during challenging times is more of a bonus trait because there’s additional emotional investment involved in the relationship between boss and employee. That investment can make the work relationship with your boss feel less transactional. The feeling of being noticed and appreciated can be all it takes to drive somebody to do good work when things get tough. For myself, I not only felt more noticed amongst my team but I also felt less of a cog in a machine, which is a very common feeling to have at a super big company.
I sincerely hope that you find and seek out great bosses who can influence you for the better. I know there are people like that out there.
