Your boss might be good, but has he passed these tests?

22

That's the number of bosses I have had, until now, in my career.

All of them, barring a few, were (and still are) outstanding professionals, teachers, and human beings. I have learned from them all. Some lessons were pleasant, some unpleasant. This post, however, isn't about what I have learned from them or about the manner of learning

It's about the trials a boss has to pass.

A great deal has been said and written about the traits of a good boss. All those traits might make a boss good; however, they aren't enough unless he has passed a few tests. In mythology, the Gods had to face many trials to earn their followers’ trust. Boss is not God, but his conduct is very similar. His tests are different though.

Can a boss be trusted, when?

1. He is under great pressure

2. A subordinate is under pressure

3. His superiors begin to notice and appreciate his subordinate

4. A subordinate has his back to him

5. A subordinate's interest has to come before his own

6. A subordinate is not his recruit

How does the boss fair in these situations? Does he come out in glory as the Gods did on their tests?

It's not enough that a boss is a decent person, gives good increments and promotions, and is a great teacher. He also has to have his subordinates’ backs in the situations above.

I have been very fortunate. Nevertheless, I know for sure that it's not easy to be a boss, to pass all tests, at all times, for all subordinates.