Being The Best Boss Ever; Even If You Never Leave The House

How was your last review? No failure, only feedback.

“If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.”

– Mother Teresa

Have you ever had a job that you absolutely loved but had a nitpicky or micromanaging boss? Have you had a review that left you wondering why you were even hired for your talents? Basically, your boss criticized everything you did. I have, and here is what I’ve learned.

In cases like these, you must remind yourself, bosses are human, and clearly, my prior boss needed a few courses on how to build someone up and then point out the area of growth in which they hope for the employee to achieve.

Nobody is the boss of anyone. We are each our own CEO in life. We are free to live the way we would like to. A boss’ title is just a title. If you have this title, you shouldn’t weigh your words lightly. Choosing words of encouragement is imperative. Mutual respect must always be a priority.

Ultimately, how can any of us be a better boss for ourselves?

Let’s work on a few things so we can ace our future reviews.

If you are an entrepreneur, which makes you the boss for sure, this article can be used as a guide as well.

Develop your talents

How can you develop your talents? The biggest question you can ask yourself about what you are trying to accomplish is what is your why?

Our work is different and has a different meaning for each of us. A question that you can’t even ask a mentor is your why. You are the only person that can answer this question. Any job will have its low points and challenges – your why is so important because of the lows.

We are all talented, some people might even be gifted, but none of us came to this world being amazing at our trade.

We must nurture our talents to become even better. People who set goals daily are ahead in this area of achievement. It would help if you took time and put the work into getting better at your skills.

It’s important to know what your strength and weaknesses are – focusing on your strengths and celebrating leads to more of the same. Focusing on those can be motivating. Taking classes or seeking help from a mentor can be a game-changer.

Sharing your passions with others can be a great support. However, some people may be jealous so, choosing these people might be challenging, yet in your best interest.

Stay up to date

No matter what your trade, keeping up to date will help you advance in your field. It will help you identify areas that require improvement as well. It’s a way to get an edge on your competitors.

One of the best ways to advance in your career is to take a class or online course. Either in your direct field or perhaps a step above your current position.

Listening to others in your field and reading blogs and other professionals in your area is always wise. Podcasts are expanding every day on diverse topics. Failing to remain current shouldn’t even be an issue in this day and age. Just google it!

Know your expectations

Everyone wants to be successful in their career. Having a clear vision of expectations is a must, even if you are genuinely your boss.

If your enthusiasm or motivation has been lacking, could it be your inner critic has become your boss? A shift in your attitude is always going to be expected. Just as in your personal life, there will always be room for improvement.

Reading your job description and goals often is a friendly reminder of what is expected of you.

Expectations are focused on behavior, whereas goals are focused on tasks. Being positive and motivating yourself and others is so important.

Being reliable, flexible, and open to changes are high on the list for expectations to be successful.

Being open to constructive feedback without being defensive can be challenging. It can be tricky, depending on how it’s delivered.

Expectations need to be clear but taking it a step farther with the reason why such things are expected is even more important.

Know your motivators

The wind in your sails will get knocked down from time to time. Therefore, knowing what makes you light up is so important.

Nobody will be able to help you achieve a better review if you are not willing to learn.

Here are a few top motivators to think about:

• Family
• Success
• Helping others
• Being a great team player or leader
• Being convincing
• Learning new skills
• Beating deadlines
• Recognizing your efforts

If you find yourself in a slump, gratitude for these motivators one by one can be just the thing that will set you apart.

Ace your review

Reviews can provide valuable feedback when appropriately performed. However, no matter how expectations are delivered, it is the employee's responsibility to embrace the feedback and improve no matter what.

After a review, it is essential to evaluate and focus on the positives and strive to improve on your weaknesses. As much as you might want to shove the review in the bottom of a desk drawer, it would help if you used it as a motivator.

Check-in on yourself often; what might you strive to do better? What is working, what isn’t working, and what can you do differently?

Like in our personal lives, we are constantly striving to do better; the same must be valid for our jobs.

Focusing on your why is essential to acing your next review even if you are your own boss.

Making one objective within easy reach is vital. Success breeds additional achievements.

Perhaps a mentor is just the aspect you have been lacking.

I’m writing this as a way to say thank you to Trista Signe Ainsworth and her authentic publication, Thank You Notes. I consider Trista one of my mentors. I want to say thank you to my dear friend.

A mentor is a person who guides a less experienced person by modeling positive behaviors. Trista understands her role and is always authentic and dependable. Her feedback is always genuinely trustworthy and for this, I am forever grateful.