October 16^th was National Boss’s Day. Did you celebrate with your superior? If the answer was an emphatic yes, congratulations! A great boss is a true gift. But perhaps you’re in a different camp, unhappy with your boss’s management style or communication methods. If so, you’re not alone.

According to Forbes, 31% of people actively looking for a new job are doing so because they’re unhappy with their current boss.

At nearly a third of the workforce, that number is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Often, employee dissatisfaction stems from the fact that their boss lacks the skills to help take them to the next level. For employees to thrive, they need more than a boss – they need a leader.

What makes a true workplace leader?

1. A Leader Motivates

Anyone can assign work to a subordinate, but a leader goes one step further, inspiring staff to rise to each task. A true leader:

• Follows through with each assignment, offering support and guidance to ensure you understand your role and the scope of the work.
• Creates enthusiasm surrounding each project. If you aren’t excited about what you’re doing or motivated to finish, you won’t succeed. A leader reminds employees that every assignment – no matter the size or overall impact to the company – matters.

2. A Leader Mentors

Here’s a simple fact: you’re only human.  That means you won’t always get it right. You might slip up and say the wrong thing, or miss something that costs your company time and money. Your boss’s reaction in the case of an error is telling. A true leader:

• Encourages and guides you through a misstep rather than simply reprimanding you for it. If there are necessary consequences to your error, a leader will help you take steps to learn and grow from the experience.
• Recognizes your strengths and helps you build confidence in your work. If appropriate, he offers constructive criticism, helping you work through your shortcomings and master your strengths.

3. A Leader is Authentic

We all know honesty is the best policy, and the workplace should be no exception. A boss who feels genuine and trustworthy goes a long way in an organization. A true leader:

• Creates a positive culture in the workplace that encourages open communication and trust. They get to know you and recognize your individual needs. This leads to personalized motivation, a powerful tool when guiding a team.
• Sets an example for others in your organization. A leader who is both loyal and motivated to succeed will inspire others to follow their vision.

4. A Leader is Collaborative

Just because you make it to the top doesn’t mean you know everything or can go it alone. When it comes to success, your boss is only as good as their team. A true leader:

• Never stops learning from those around them. Someone who is willing to ask for help and listen to feedback continues to grow, and will in turn encourage you to do the same.
• Values the team dynamic. A leader should be more “we” than “me”. Collaboration is key to success and someone who harnesses the strengths of each team member to accomplish a shared goal, regardless of rank, will take your organization further.

Anyone can be a boss, but a workplace leader is the key to growing your organization and setting you up for future success.

Here at Mulling Corporation, we want to help you succeed in your career. If you’d like to learn more about effective leadership, including the four types of bosses, check out my book, The Mulling Factor: Get Your Life Back by Taking Control of Your Career. And listen to my recent radio show on the subject.