We all have our own ideas about what a good boss looks like, and what a bad boss looks like, and it’s pretty clear that no one would prefer to be working under a bad boss if they had the choice.
This is a contributed post. Please refer to my disclosure for more information.
In today’s increasingly dynamic professional landscape, there are now more people working remotely, than perhaps ever before. For many of these individuals, the nature of “work,” and of “bosses” is radically different than it used to be in the not-too-distant past.
Nonetheless, remote workers and especially entrepreneurs have their own set of highly meaningful questions to ask themselves, around the topics of leadership and management.
Instead of asking “How can I find a company that has good management?” the question simply becomes “How can I be a good leader and boss for myself?”
Within the running of a conventional business, there will typically be many different considerations to weigh up, ranging from things like figuring out the best selection of pallets customised with corporate logos, to scheduling an appropriate meeting with key stakeholders.
Always in the background, though, are questions of personnel management and leading by example — and this is certainly no less true in the case of entrepreneurs who have to “be their own boss” than it is in any other context.
Here are some tips for being a good boss to yourself as an entrepreneur.
Negotiate with yourself as if you were negotiating with someone else
When working for themselves, many people suddenly become extremely tyrannical. They adopt a radical new approach to managing internal disputes that has nothing to do with “harmony,” “compassion,” or “balance.”
Instead, everything becomes about working all day and all night, skipping lunch and becoming highly critical of everything.
It’s easy for us to forget that different parts of our personality and consciousness work more or less the same as different members of a professional group. You can expect internal resistance, misery and procrastination if you try to tyrannise yourself.
Instead of putting excess pressure on yourself to get things done, you should negotiate with yourself. Set up incentives, a manageable schedule, and adequate personal time.
Establish clear goals and expectations and ensure a consistent structure in your work life
One of the hallmarks of a good boss is clarity and coherence in communication, and the ability to establish clear targets and expectations, as well.
This is true even if you are your boss.
You must have a clear understanding of your priorities in order to stay motivated, be consistent, and avoid burnout.
Give yourself some “employee perks”
When there are decent employee perks, everyone feels more comfortable going to work. If you’re your own boss, it is tempting to reduce the “perks” you enjoy in your professional life.
You should remember, however, that setting up a completely spartan work environment for yourself will make you as frustrated and jaded as if an external boss were treating you the same way.
Give yourself some perks. You should have something to look forward to on weekends. You can spend a little more on special occasions. Treat yourself as an employee you are taking care of.