National Boss Day

October 15, 2012

October 16th is the day to celebrate our bosses, because it is National Boss Day. The origins of Boss’s Day dates back to 1958. Patricia Bays Haroski, an employee at State Farm Insurance Company in Illinois, registered it with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Haroski chose the date because it was her father's birthday; who was her boss.

My take on what defines a boss as "great" goes like this: they treat their position as an honor. They are the hardest working people on the job. The role of a good boss is one of supporting and motivating people to do a good job. This means that they must understand what motivates people. A boss needs to be available to their employees, be a role model, and blend their style to suit each individual that reports to them. A good boss is a trusted boss. So, a boss must keep promises and never betray the confidence of an employee. A great boss should be a good manager. This is essential to any successful organization. An exceptionally good manager achieves a hardworking, productive and effective workforce that will go above and beyond for a great boss. Good managers attract exceptional staff; they make the organization a preferred employer; they help to reduce costs; and their staff is engaged, committed, and "go the extra mile."

What would make up my list of the qualities of a good boss?

• Lead by Example
• Honest
• Trustworthy
• Fair
• Good sense of humor
• Flexible
• Approachable
• Creates an atmosphere of opportunity
• Seeks response and feedback to all communications with staff
• Good communicator and coaches their staff and counsels those who need it
• Helps to raise staff morale and are concerned for staff wellbeing
• Empowers and motivates staff and manages struggling performers
• Values everyone’s contribution
• Influences a positive culture
• Sets clear and unambiguous objectives
• Provides feedback on performance

So, if you are fortunate enough to have a good boss, take every opportunity to show the appreciation that they deserve. Greatness seems to always be connected to people who are overextended and who put in grueling hours at work. National Boss Day gives you the opportunity to tell and show that great boss how much they are valued and appreciated. After all, it only comes around once a year.

Deborah J.
Blue Springs North Branch