Forrest Gump rightly said that “life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” This metaphorical adage could not be more true when starting a new job: you never know whether you’re going to get a delightful boss or a dreadful one.

Sadly, we’ve all encountered at least one nightmare of a manager during our worklives. Oh, the horror stories we’ve heard from some people; from being screamed at in front of clients to having their idea snatched and passed as the boss’s own!

As wonderful as a job may be and as many perks as it may offer - bean bags, slides and ping pong tables - if the manager is on a power trip, then the only trip an employee will want to take is the journey home.

So what is it that makes a boss likeable and respected? What qualities must they possess to keep their staff sane and satisfied? The answers lie in the “meeting minutes” below.

Be human first, boss second

Showing your employees your “human” side will only make you more relatable and approachable. Be emotional. Share personal experiences. Laugh together. Tell jokes. Pass snacks around the office. Your employees want to see that while your ranks may differ, other things make you one and the same.

Constructive over destructive

No one wants to underperform at work but when they do, they prefer being given constructive criticism rather than getting told off or yelled at in front of their co-workers. Tell your underperforming employee where they went wrong while offering ways in which they can step up their game. They will appreciate the gracious way you delivered your evaluation, making it more likely to take your notes on-board like a champ and with improvement in mind.

Mission: Motivate

Inadequate work is a reflection of an unmotivated team. Stimulate yours by holding a monthly meeting where employees share the ways in which they keep themselves motivated and inspired; by having a themed Thursday every last Thursday of the month; by holding a fun day out; or by offering vouchers/tickets/gifts to the Employee of the Month.

Words of praise

Don’t let one employee become your teacher’s pet but do praise your staff individually to the rest of the team whenever they’ve done a great job on a task or project. Not only will that push them to outdo themselves the next time around but it will also entice some healthy competition amongst their colleagues.

Stand by me

Your employees will genuinely like, respect and even feel closer to you if you show them that they’re not just a number but a valuable part of the company. Try to have one-on-one meetings with your staff to ask them about any problems they may have at home or at work. If they do, listen intently and offer advice/help. Additionally, ask for feedback on your company and assure them that their opinions matter and will be taken on-board.

*Thumbnail photo credit: Entrepreneur