Having & Losing a Good Leader
Unfortunately, it's not a common experience to report to someone that truly is a good boss - it just isn't. Far too many people in Corporate America demonstrate no sincere interest at all in the people they govern. We've each had our share of that lot.
To be a Good Boss you have to be COMPETENT, CONFIDENT & CARE as much about your direct reports success as you do your own success. Some have the first two traits, but the latter is quite lacking in my experience and I know I'm not alone in that regard.
I've had the great, good fortune to work with a GOOD BOSS for the past several years. He'd been overlooked on a few occasions and lost out on new personal opportunities to those not more qualified, but who were decidedly more political. Regardless of the corporate mantra, people promote their friends to positions often regardless of their qualifications. In any event, his moment finally came. He was asked to take another position within the company.
What distinguishes him from others is that he knocks category three out of the park - almost to a fault, he cares as much about the people that report to him as he does about himself. It's just who he is, and it's why he engenders the faithful support he well deserves. You can't say that about many people.
I suspect that playing team sports in his youth plays a big factor in why he is different. Back when we were young, we played football & basketball & baseball - all TEAM SPORTS. I like soccer, golf, tennis and other similar activities, but team sports is a different environment and it produces a mindset where success is a collective effort.
I certainly wish him well as he formulates his transition plan. Moving on to something new doesn't mean that you leave behind those you value & appreciate - sometimes you have to just do better for yourself & your own family. No blame in that. At the end of the day we're all trading time for money, and there's no fault in getting more for the contribution you make. This is especially true when it is so well deserved.