10 Ways to Tell if Someone Would Make a Good Boss

One of the most important things to consider when taking a new job is who your boss will be. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time with this person, and they will significantly impact your day-to-day life.

There are a few things you can look for during the interview to help you determine if they’ll be a great leader and a positive force in your work life.

Signs of a Great Boss

Your first signals of a great boss are visual cues you can look for if you can observe them before the interview. Note if they seem respectful and friendly with other employees. Does their body language create a feeling of an open engagement, or do they convey a closed-off, unapproachable demeanor?

During the interview, note the following to get an idea of their leadership qualities.

1. They Seem Fully Invested

A great boss will be fully invested in building a successful team. Does the interview feel like they’re checking a task off their list, or are they asking questions that feel like they’re genuinely trying to ascertain whether you’re the best fit for the role?

They should also be able to articulate what they’re looking for in a successful candidate, highlighting that they currently understand the gaps and culture of their team.

2. They Are Receptive

The best sign that the manager will be open to feedback is if they can answer questions honestly without getting defensive. If they can articulate missed opportunities or areas where the team struggles, that shows that they’re aware of the areas that need improvement and are willing to work on them. Beware of managers who give half-hearted or shallow answers.

3. They Are Interested in Your Goals

A great boss will be someone you can rely on for professional support and career growth. Excellent leaders double as career mentors and have a career progression plan for their team members with a lot of room to support individual interests and skills. If a hiring manager can articulate development opportunities, that’s a great sign that they are invested in your continued momentum.

4. Are They Likable?

This one is admittedly subjective, but it’s important to consider whether or not you would actually enjoy working with the person. The working relationship will likely be strained if they seem difficult to get along with.

Consider whether they practice active listening. Do they interrupt you, or do they pause to consider their answer before responding honestly?

5. Are They Self-Focused?

When you ask them about recent wins, or if they touch on team successes or accomplishments, do they often use the word “I,” or do they refer to their team? The best leaders have a team mentality and will talk about the team’s success. They’ll refer to “us” or “our,” rather than being self-serving in their praise.

6. They Are Organized and Efficient

No matter how nice someone is, it will be challenging to work for them if they are unorganized—especially if your ability to do your job depends on getting timely information or tasks from them.

That organization should extend beyond using lists and good time management. Do they seem to have an organized approach to their vision for the team? Can they articulate how the team goals align with the company mission and vision? If not, you might find that you’re frequently overlooked for opportunities outside your immediate team.

7. Do They Exude Inclusion and Social Maturity?

Does the person seem fair? A great boss should treat everyone fairly, and they shouldn’t play favorites. If they make unprofessional remarks about any groups or demographics, that’s a red flag.

You also want to be cautious of potential leaders talking about team meetups that sound more like social clubs. While team-building is essential, if the manager has a social relationship with just one team member or two, that can affect the team dynamics in unpleasant ways.

8. They Respect Your Time

Are they punctual for the interview? If they’re not respectful of your time at the point where they’re putting their best foot forward, it doesn’t bode well for down the road when they’re your direct manager.

Respecting your time includes respecting the time you have outside of work. If they mention expecting responses to questions after hours, that’s a sign that they don’t respect the boundary between work and life. While there might be times when you’ll need to put in extra effort, it shouldn’t be expected as the norm.

9. They Don’t Micromanage

A great boss knows that their team comprises competent adults who can be trusted to do their jobs well. Ask about how they delegate and give direction. Listen for signs of an organized approach that doesn’t include their input at every step of the way.

10. They Have a Sense of Humor

A good sense of humor can make the difference between a day getting derailed or getting back on track when stressful situations arise. If they mention laughter and fun in the workplace as necessary, that’s an excellent sign.

Finding a Great Boss

These are just a few signs to look for when determining whether someone will be a great boss. The most important thing is to trust your gut. If you get a bad feeling about someone, it’s probably best to move on to a different opportunity. On the other hand, if they make you feel confident and inspired, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy working for them.

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