5 things I have learned that have made me a better boss (and more successful)

1.  What someone complains about is what they should be doing.
   

For example, do you have a team member that complains that a project was badly organised? Get them to project manage the next one. If they have the energy and passion to complain about it, and the understanding of the topic to know it could have been done better, then they have the energy and passion to do it properly! This one I believe I picked up from @AlisonGermain and it has served me exceptionally well.

1.  Always ask yourself, “Is it a THING?”
   

For example, there is no point saying that our overheads are too high as that is not ‘a thing’. But saying that we spend 33% more on cleaning than we used to, even though our new office is the same size as the old one, is ‘a thing’. Similarly, the command “Fix our overheads”, is not ‘a thing’; Reduce our overheads by 5% by January is however ‘a thing’. When discussing business problems and solutions always make sure that your suggestions and solutions, pass the ‘is it a thing?’ test. This gives quick and easy focus, and stuff just gets done!

1.  Fire all pot drillers.
   

Pot fillers add to your energy, whilst the drillers take it away. If you have pot drillers in your business, then you must remove them. Having critics is your business is healthy, and I’ve always invited dissent, but what you cannot have is people that always look for the bad and are perpetual pessimists. Energy, hope, and optimism are powerful things, and need to be protected from those dark forces! This one was inspired by Mike Pegg.

1.  Put the decision making where the knowledge is.
   

Just because you have the seniority doesn’t mean that you are always best placed to make a particular decision. You are however best placed to decide who is! Why decide, for instance, what reporting dashboards your clients need when your Client Services department knows far more about the clients needs than you do? You should delegate decision making and not just delegate the work!

1.  People don’t change
   

Well, they do, but only temporarily or over very long periods of time. That goes for people you have employed, your colleagues, and your bosses. I’ve found this to be true 100% of the time in my life – personal and professional. Don't waste your time and energy - accept it and take appropriate action. Harsh I know, but sometimes the truth is going to be.

Any big lessons that you have learned that you'd be happy to share?