Do you tell employees what’s on your mind? Do you talk behind their backs? Do you listen to them and get to know them?
Communication is critical, at least according to a national telephone survey of 1,000 adults ages 18 and older. More than 37% said it takes “communication skills or interpersonal relationship skills” to be a good boss. Other results:
- Nineteen percent said the “ability to understand employees’ needs and help them develop their skills” is the most important ingredient in a good boss.
- The “ability to set clear goals and provide direction” was cited by another 19% of respondents.
- The “ability to make good day-to-day decisions” was cited by about 18%.
The survey was conducted Sept. 24-26, 1999.
SOURCE: Personnel Decisions International (PDI), Minneapolis, commissioned Market Facts, Inc. to do the survey.