What Makes a Good Boss or a Bad Boss?

In my years of working, I have met many people. I have worked for good people and I have worked for not so good people. Here are some of the things that I feel show the differences between a good Boss and a bad Boss.

Good Boss: When the company offers a bonus, rewards you appropriately.

Bad Boss: When bonuses are dispersed, your boss goes out of the way to find an excuse to take the bonus from you. Usually for some imagined transgression, he/she comes up with the aforementioned excuse to keep you from what you are entitled to according to the company handbook.

Good Boss: Appreciates your skills and frequently tells you that you are an asset to the company. Makes you feel appreciated and like a valued employee should feel.

Bad Boss: Belittles your skills and makes you feel like you are not valued by the company at all and should be replaced, even when you have done nothing wrong.

Good Boss: Listens to your ideas fairly and offers improvements on those ideas, if necessary, but in a way that is not demeaning.

Bad Boss: Does not listen to the ideas of his/her team members at all. Even when the ideas could improve the overall productivity of the department, for instance, he/she refuses to consider anything other than his/her own ideas. Would make those offering the ideas feel completely stupid for suggesting anything new.

Good Boss: When a family emergency comes up, will allow you, as a parent/family member, to leave immediately without making you feel guilty about the repercussions of your absence. He/She will be supportive and understanding and will allow you whatever time is necessary to resolve the emergency or problem.

Bad Boss: When said emergency comes up, will berate you, and criticize your decision for having to leave. He/She will be more concerned about meeting the deadline in your absence, or will try to make you feel guilty for wanting to leave. He/She will also try to refuse your request to leave to handle the matter.

These are only a few things that I have seen throughout the years. It is my feeling that family should come before work. A good Boss will not let the business come before family, especially if they are a parent, too. Even if they are not a parent, many of those working for them probably are. On the other hand, those that don't have children, may have older family members that they look out for. In any case, it is wrong for an employer to stand between you and your family. It is also wrong for an employer to make you feel disrespected or undervalued.

My feeling is that if you are forced to choose between staying when a family member needs you and staying at work, don't hesitate, LEAVE! No one with a conscience will criticize you for your decision to be with your family. Do what you feel is best, and never, EVER, let anyone tell you that you should choose your work over your family! That also goes for being disrespected or mistreated as an employee. Don't let anyone treat you that way, and if they are, start looking for another job. It's not worth the aggravation or the stress. This can affect both you and your family, so do what you feel would be right.

I hope this helps. Thanks for reading!