How to Be a Better Boss and Create a Company Culture Your Employees Will Love

In this episode, co-hosts Hannah Robinson and Melissa Honan discuss how to be a better boss – why you should look at your past “horrible bosses,” and what to consider and do to create a company culture your employees will love and that increases their retention.

[0:45] Hannah sees this episode being perfect for those looking to expand their practice, as well as for those who already have done or want to do it down the road.

[1:26] Melissa shares something she struggles with: she doesn’t like to think of herself as or being called “the boss.” She also warns that if you run a company and think that you’ll just be “one of the guys,” you’re mistaken. You’re the boss and are going to be seen and treated as such.

[2:25] For Hannah, having the boss' personality, in the sense of being naturally drawn to take charge of a project, is something that can be seen already from childhood – it was like this for her. Not everyone has that type of personality, though.

[3:04] Thinking about the kind of boss you’d want to have as an employee is something you should evaluate when becoming someone’s boss, says Hannah.

[3:59] Melissa advises new business owners to think about the worst boss they ever had and do their best not to become that kind of a boss. Then, think about the best boss or bosses you’ve ever had and what made them good bosses.

[7:20] Hannah sees being open to hearing other ideas and opinions as one of the hallmarks of being a great boss. That’s a difficult thing to do, however, says Melissa. She recommends creating an environment where you aren’t afraid to “look like an idiot” and encourage your employees to feel and do the same.

[8:55] Hannah believes that having a heart to heart with employees – about their goals and finding ways to help them get there and check in – is an excellent way to build trust with your employees.

[10:02] For Melissa, everyone just wants to be heard, so it’s important to really be listening as a boss. She discusses the benefits of doing that both with your employees, as well as with your sales conversations.

[12:25] Hannah and Melissa talk about the fact that there are 9 different types of motivations – and why it’s important to remember this as a boss.

[16:53] Melissa would like to hear from you: what motivates you?

[17:15] The co-hosts touch upon fear-based motivation and why some people may be relying on that.

[19:45] Hannah shares her thoughts on the company culture at Bookkeepers.com.

[21:36] Melissa goes over what she thinks is key in being a better boss and creating a company culture that values your employees.

Mentioned in this episode:

bookkeepers.com

success@ilovebookkeeping.com