Anyone can be a boss, but it takes a certain type of person to really excel at the job. Many people are promoted to managerial positions who would probably be much better off as solo contributors. These managers quickly scare top talent away, because no one wants to work for a boss who makes their workday miserable.

Choose wisely when hiring or promoting managerial-level employees at your company, because putting the wrong person in this type of position can be detrimental. Knowing which individuals will excel as a boss can be a challenge, but anyone who embodies these five characteristics is likely a great choice.

Modesty

No one is perfect — including managers. Top talent respects a boss who is humble enough to admit when they’re wrong. Instead of trying to sweep their mishap under the rug or pass the blame, these people own it, learn from it, and move on.

Fairness

It’s not always easy to admit, but it’s human nature to favor some people over others. However, a manager can absolutely not give preferential treatment to employees or take sides in disagreements. Anyone in this high-level position must have the ability to treat everyone as equals.

Ability to Lead by Example

There’s few things more irritating than working for a boss who constantly breaks their own rules. Someone who makes employees adhere to standards they can’t even meet themselves has no business being a boss. A manager sets the tone for their team, so they need to serve as a great example.

Calm Under Pressure

Things don’t always go as planned in business, so you need a boss at the helm who can navigate even the trickiest situations with ease. If the boss panics every time something goes wrong, the rest of the team will follow suit, and things rarely go well when mass chaos erupts.

Easy to Relate to

People want to work for a boss who is human — not a corporate robot. Managers shouldn’t be best friends with their employees, but they should be warm and welcoming enough to make people feel comfortable coming to them with any questions, comments, and concerns.

ECS offers cost-effective solutions to make managing your contingent workforce easier and more efficient. We’ve been assisting companies and recruiters for more than 20 years, so allow us to make your day at work much less stressful. Contact us today to learn more!