Many books and articles have been written about how to be a good manager. Being a good manager — a good boss — doesn't necessarily imply also being a nice boss. However, the two are not mutually exclusive, and being a nice boss may make a better boss.
Being a Nice Boss
Nice suggests most of the following: fairness, awareness, sensitivity, thoughtfulness, generosity, being approachable and pleasant and willing to listen. Being nice is important in almost all life situations, including business. The business world doesn't need horrible bosses!
Nice Bosses: Business Events
Management styles differ, but when it comes to out–of–town business travel, simple thoughtfulness and careful planning ahead can make the event more productive for a group participating at, say, a conference, convention, trade show, trade mission, or think tank.
It starts with finding a comfort zone somewhere between aloof and familiar, and operating within it, giving consideration to all or some of the following:
Nice Bosses: Transportation
If your team cannot travel up–front with you, and this is likely to create awkwardness or resentment, consider taking a different flight.
If your credentials allow, and the numbers work, invite members of your team to join you in the first or business class lounge.
If there is a limo meeting you, and there is enough room, share it.
If there are time zone differences, plan around jet lag, so that the team is fresh and alert and can function at its best.
Nice Bosses: Leading the Team
Let everyone know in advance the protocol, dress code, and other details that will help make the event comfortable and hassle–free.
Ensure everyone has comfortable accommodation.
Be a tour guide. Make sure everyone can find their way around, knows the best places to eat, drink, shop, visit.
Make sure no one feels at a loose end, or is alone for, say, dinner.
Don't be exclusionary. Don't hog the best invitations. Include your people whenever its appropriate. Don't demean their importance. Compliment in public whenever you can, criticize in private.
Don't play favorites. Its not high school. Don't have an A– team, and ignore the rest.
Be on time, same as everyone else.
Share the stash. There are only so many baseball caps, mugs, pens and T–shirts one person can have.
Buy treats.
Be gracious.
Of course, much of the above applies equally back at the office. Its not that hard to be nice. it just means taking as step back and examining your management style, and applying to others what you want for yourself.
Isme Bennie - Ismé Bennie, a well-known Canadian tv executive, is now a media management consultant and non-fiction writer.
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