Business Link

By Leigh-Anne Sa Joe

Traditional stereo-types of managers as authoritarian, controlling, distant and impersonal are being challenged
by a new image – that of the “loving boss”.

More bosses around the world, including South Africa, are choosing to change their approach to employees by displaying characteristics of love, care and consideration. “The ‘loving boss’ might be an exaggeration, but they certainly want to deepen the relationship with talented people by guarding against burnout. They view remote working as a contributor to talent retention,” says Joanne Bushell, chief executive officer of workplace solutions company, Regus Africa.

Bruce Draper, a friendly approachable and kind boss of an engineering company was named Best Boss of 2006 by the Working Families/Lloyds TSB in Britain. Draper was nominated by his staff because he was able to nurture their potential through constant encouragement.

Local business people in places of leadership and who work alongside leaders on a daily basis, agree that the time has arrived for more bosses of this nature.

Jane Stevenson, owner of Jane Stevenson and Associates and chairperson of the Businesswomen’s Association, says that an empathetic and flexible boss is more likely to be open to creative solutions in their problem-solving methods, which could be positive for business.

“To motivate staff who find themselves in an endless tunnel of stress is no mean feat today. I believe that we need to work with individuals and find win-win solutions for the workplace,” she says.

Something as simple as bosses greeting their employees with a smile is a good starting point, says Stevenson. Another is to have meetings for regular peoplesharing ideas, spending quality time and open communication with staff members and giving credit where deserved.

Business Mentor, past PERCCI president and a Coordinator of the Nelson Mandela Bay Transformation Business Network, Mike Smith, strongly believes in Servant Leadership, a type of leadership built upon the Christian faith.

“In essence that means he or she leads by example, ensuring that they get the very best out of people by equipping them with all that is needed to reach the goals that they have set for themselves in conjunction with the business’ goals”.

Valuing people will keep you from manipulating them. It will keep you from treating employees like servants or slaves. It will also keep you from handling others badly simply because you are having a bad day,” he says. Subordinates cannot simply demand this kind of treatment, however. In order for a boss to practice this kind of leadership, they need to have or build confidence in the individuals in their team.

Good relationships start at the top

At the same time bosses need to create the right work-place climate, with stress kept to a minimum. Whether dealing with staff members, investors, suppliers or customers, bosses should strive for good relationships with people. “When you invest in relationships with the people you lead, you build a network that can provide encouragement, inspiration and support during good times and bad, including times of stress,” says Smith.

Bosses also need to be disciplined in limiting the amount of hours they spend at work. “Leave space for family recreation and sleep,” he adds. Stevenson says that one should learn to delegate tasks to staff members and trust in their competence and their ability to complete the job.

Golden Rules for Great Leadership:
“Being a servant leader does not mean that you become a doormat for ambitious employees, or that discipline is not meted out when deserved,” says Smith. Instead, it involves the following rules: