What makes a good leader - Google it?
Google does an annual survey of all its staff to find out what they think makes a good boss. Some say the best kind of boss is one who leaves you alone, and to an extent that’s true, but not the whole picture.
Some of the findings are fairly obvious – good technical skills and not micromanaging, but we need bosses who do more than leave us alone. Below is Google’s list of the 10 things that the best bosses and my take on them…Thanks to Google for the raw material, and also the Guardian for an original article listing the top 10.
1 A good coach
Having done a formal coaching qualification, and coached many people, this is top of my list. A good manager helps to bring clarity and unlocks a team’s ability to solve things themselves.
2 Empowers the team instead of micromanaging
Bosses that are in the detail for the sake of it are a nightmare! I’m sure many of us have had one like that - I certainly have in previous organisations. Fortunately I’ve some good bosses who have given me the freedom and support to be my best.
3 Creates an inclusive team environment and shows concern for success and wellbeing
Creating a supportive team environment is multifaceted. One of the key findings from Google is that good managers ensure people feel comfortable to introduce new ideas, and don’t feel scared to ask questions or admit mistakes. In an IT environment that’s critical. To fix a problem it often needs someone to ‘fess up and admit to a mistake. I think another aspect to this is taking time to understand the varied talents in your team and play everyone to their strengths – some are good at strategic thinking, others great in a crisis.
4 Productive and focused on results
My best bosses have been there to help where needed and have been clear about outcomes and goals.
5 A good communicator
This one’s pretty self-explanatory: a good manager should be good at sharing information and good at listening too. The last bit’s crucial - listening is an underrated and often underused skill. Blogs are pretty powerful communication tools too!
6 Supports career development and discusses performance
It’s so easy to use 121s for task follow ups and the issue of the week. I try to set up a cycle of proper development conversations and keep those separate from task based 121s.
7 Has a clear strategy for the team
A good boss lets you know what’s expected of you and what you need to do to get there.
8 Has the technical skills needed to advise the team
Interesting one this – yes a boss should know how to do the job, but at more senior levels they bring a broader set of skills and could not do your job, and that’s fine. This can be a particular issue in an IT function. A boss who knew how to do the job 20 years ago can be dangerous as the world of technology moves fast. Hopefully they know how to use principles like setting a strategy, leadership, stakeholder management and problem solving.
9 Collaborates across the organisation
Good managers have to spend time working across the organisation. Often I say my job is to set direction (having done a lot of listening) and then protect the team so they can get on and deliver. Working with other areas across the organisation is critical to both stages.
10 Is a strong decision maker
Lastly, a big one. There’s loads of research saying how failure to make timely decisions delays projects and causes poor morale in teams. And this means good timely decisions, not ones that change all the time thus wasting work and effort. I had a boss once that had a great way of moving forwards. There is rarely a right decision, just different options with different issues. Pick the set of issues you can manage and then move on and get on with it. A good philosophy.
So, now you’ve read this, what I’d like to know is….
- What do you think of this list?
- What do you think makes a good boss?
Please let me know.