be a good boss

At this point, I am really just trying to build the “intimidation” factor. All the people I have been bosses to seem to think that I am their best friend. I think part of it may be that my subordinates are only a few years younger than me. They know I have open door policy but even when they see I am busy, they think it’s okay to talk about their boyfriend issues. I quickly say “I’m sorry … I have to give this to my boss.” They say “Oh, okay,” but when I get back, they’re all words again!! I don’t want to think that their work issues aren’t important to me, they are. But that doesn’t mean that I am open to being their homie! What am I doing wrong?? Argh!

...but for me it’s an uphill battle and I’ve decided to switch to a position that doesn’t include supervising and supporting other staff. It’s a relief!

Two of my staff have resigned….sigh. It’s not SO bad: they’re leaving on good terms, and are giving me good feedback about ways things could work better in the office. One said I could have done more to hold him accountable – although it might seem like hectoring. Funny!

I had hippie parents, not big on structure or authority. Although my mom is a “world class nag” as my brother puts it. I guess that, although I personally DO want to be held accountable and to know that my boss cares about the quality of my work, I assume it will be naggy and trust-eroding to hold others accountable! I like to hire people who are smart and who I can generally trust to do a good job, and then give them a long leash. However, I don’t want it to feel like a “sink or swim” environment—I want to be a supportive boss and not a distant one.

I’ve got more work to do on this!

I was late today for a check-in with the intern. Bad. But I talked to everyone a little bit about their work and a bit of personal stuff too. I didn’t ask anyone about their weekend. And I’m late on someone’s six month evaluation, I had to reschedule that for later in the week. I want to do better. It’s not that I was goofing off, but rather that I was doing easier stuff than her evaluation.