After 10 Years of Research, Google Defines What Makes a Good Boss

What makes a good leader? Throughout history , scholars have sought to answer this age-old question – and everyone has different theories. Of course, the demands of management evolve alongside business, which is why Google decided to seek an updated answer of their own. After a decade of researching survey and evaluation data, they found 10 common traits among their highest performing managers.?

The Ten Qualities of a Good Boss

1. Be a good coach.?

Instead of harping on failure, good leaders turn problems into learning opportunities. They step in with guidance and feedback when necessary but a good coach lets teams lead, run plays, gain experience, and improve.

2. Empower your team.

Feedback is important, but rather than turning it into an opportunity to micromanage, good bosses give people the freedom to explore ideas, experiment, and develop their skills. They also stay open to receiving feedback so they can ensure everyone has the right tools and flexibility they need to do their job effectively.

3. Create an inclusive team culture.

A good manager builds trust by demonstrating concern for the success and well-being of their employees. They create a psychologically safe environment where everyone feels comfortable taking risks without fear of asking for help, admitting a mistake, or trying out a new idea.

4. Be results-oriented.

With clear and established goals, a good boss can more effectively assign the right people to the right jobs to achieve them. They keep their team on track by reminding them how their work contributes to larger goals and encourage each employee to rise to their fullest potential.??

5. Be a great listener.?

A good leader knows that truly hearing their employees enables understanding and trust. Through transparent feedback, they offer both sincere and specific praise and constructive criticism when needed.

6. Support your team’s development.

A good manager supports their team members in achieving their career goals. They discuss performance, provide career path options, want to see employees grow, and would never hold others back for their own gain.?

7. Have a clear vision for your team and make it known.

Good bosses know where they’re going and aren't afraid to shout it from the rooftops. They clearly communicate their expectations and develop actionable strategies so their team members can succeed.?

8. Have the skills to support your team.

From technical skills to an awareness of working styles and barriers to productivity, great managers have what it takes to advise their team. They understand the components of a job done well and communicate that knowledge with empathy to a team whose needs they understand.

9. Don’t silo your team.

Instead of siloing themselves and their team off from the rest of the company, a good leader embraces cross-collaboration. With an eye on the bigger picture, they see the benefits of collaborating to produce better results for the company as a whole.

10. Make tough decisions.?

A good boss makes decisions, then commits and follows through. They won’t shy away from making hard choices, and will always communicate the “why” and “how” behind those decisions to their team.

Behind every happy and productive team is a great leader and Google wanted more of them, which prompted their research into these common traits. From the launch of Project Oxygen in 2008 until its update ten years later, Google saw notable improvements in employee performance, satisfaction, and turnover by focusing on these areas for manager training. By bringing these ten qualities to our roles as leaders, we set our teams up for success.

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Tom Popomaronis is Executive Vice President of Innovation at Massive Alliance, a global executive branding agency. Tom co-founded Massive's?Executive Leadership Branding ?program – which transforms world-class executives into contributing authors at leading publications.

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