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How to find a good boss?

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Anonymous
Some people are lucky to have a good boss that would tremendously help their career. The question is how could we find a good boss? I would like to hear some ideas from you guys. Thanks.
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Drew Craig Sr. Agile & Product Coach| Vanguard Philadelphia, Pa, United States
If you have an opportunity to search while employed, it provides added flexibility to focus on behaviors and needs to help find that right connection/partnership with a future potential boss.
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1 reply by anonymous
Jul 22, 2018 3:21 PM
anonymous
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Thank you, Andrew Craig. This is a very good idea. Usually, we can find out after we worked for him/her, but how could we recognize a good boss. Are there common behaviors, personalities we can pay attention to?
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Joshua Render Product Owner| Cognizant Harrisville, Ny, United States
Make sure when you interview, you interview with your potential boss or ask to meet with your potential boss. I think in most cases, at least in my experience, the hiring manager tends to be the intended manager, but not always.

Then, when you meet with them, have a conversation with them. Ask them questions. The one thing I struggle with is making sure to ask questions in a way that they won't think you are a problem employee.

I probably would not ask, "How would you react if I came in 5 minutes late?" because then they may be thinking it happens so often that you have to ask about it - but in a way, you want to know things like that in case it ever happens to you on accident.

You don't have to like your boss, but it certainly helps if you do, Can you imagine respecting your boss during your conversation with him/her. Do they sound like a reasonable rational person, or are they too quick to judge without learning the full story?

I once had a CEO of a small company email me back in response to my resume that I didn't have enough development experience. He did so without even talking to me. I knew based on that, I couldn't work for him even if I could get him to change his mind. (Side note: it irritated me so I responded back to him all the years I have carried out development experience in detail.)
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1 reply by anonymous
Jul 22, 2018 3:26 PM
anonymous
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Thank you, Joshua. I like the example you gave me that's really helpful. Maybe I can develop some more questions and try to start some conversation with people.
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Stanley Oranika Director Finance & Strategy| Virtus Deus F.C.T, Abuja, Nigeria
Look for a company that portrays high moral standards. The product of a company says much about its staff and those who put in the work to deliver such products. Usually, a company or organisations average behavior is a reflection of the average employee character. You should also research the resumes of your potential bosses.

Try also to reach out to your mentors and those who inspire you in the field of expertise. If they like you, you may end up working for or with them.
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1 reply by anonymous
Jul 22, 2018 3:32 PM
anonymous
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Thank you, Stanley. You are right. I will ask my mentor in our next meeting.
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Anonymous
Jul 22, 2018 11:51 AM
Replying to Drew Craig
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If you have an opportunity to search while employed, it provides added flexibility to focus on behaviors and needs to help find that right connection/partnership with a future potential boss.
Thank you, Andrew Craig. This is a very good idea. Usually, we can find out after we worked for him/her, but how could we recognize a good boss. Are there common behaviors, personalities we can pay attention to?
...
1 reply by Drew Craig
Jul 22, 2018 5:15 PM
Drew Craig
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When you reach a certain point in your career, you better understand what it is that you are looking for and how to communicate it. You also carry the ability to openly discuss and ask leading questions (remember, you are interviewing them as well. One main reason easier when in a current job) to determine if not only the role is right for you, but the culture, which includes the hiring manager.

It's important to determine where they need help, why they are hiring for the role and what your skills, experience, and attributes to do to get them there. Discussing culture, personality, expectations, environment is important, and tbh, expected in my opinion.

Driving the interview to be more conversational can be a great help in determining culture within an organization.
avatar
Anonymous
Jul 22, 2018 1:10 PM
Replying to Joshua Render
...
Make sure when you interview, you interview with your potential boss or ask to meet with your potential boss. I think in most cases, at least in my experience, the hiring manager tends to be the intended manager, but not always.

Then, when you meet with them, have a conversation with them. Ask them questions. The one thing I struggle with is making sure to ask questions in a way that they won't think you are a problem employee.

I probably would not ask, "How would you react if I came in 5 minutes late?" because then they may be thinking it happens so often that you have to ask about it - but in a way, you want to know things like that in case it ever happens to you on accident.

You don't have to like your boss, but it certainly helps if you do, Can you imagine respecting your boss during your conversation with him/her. Do they sound like a reasonable rational person, or are they too quick to judge without learning the full story?

I once had a CEO of a small company email me back in response to my resume that I didn't have enough development experience. He did so without even talking to me. I knew based on that, I couldn't work for him even if I could get him to change his mind. (Side note: it irritated me so I responded back to him all the years I have carried out development experience in detail.)
Thank you, Joshua. I like the example you gave me that's really helpful. Maybe I can develop some more questions and try to start some conversation with people.
avatar
Anonymous
Jul 22, 2018 2:51 PM
Replying to Stanley Oranika
...
Look for a company that portrays high moral standards. The product of a company says much about its staff and those who put in the work to deliver such products. Usually, a company or organisations average behavior is a reflection of the average employee character. You should also research the resumes of your potential bosses.

Try also to reach out to your mentors and those who inspire you in the field of expertise. If they like you, you may end up working for or with them.
Thank you, Stanley. You are right. I will ask my mentor in our next meeting.
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Henry Hattenrath Project Consultant| Tectonic Engineering MSA LLC New York, Ny, United States
Interviews allow for candidates and companies to find commonality for mutual success. This does not always assure success for the boss-subordinate relationship. There are no interview questions from candidates to boss, metrics in the work performance process, or qualifications that can help identify a good boss. A candidate’s pursuit of a good boss can only be accomplished through a company network that provides input to plan for future career moves to positions that are within the boss’ responsibility and leadership influence. Beyond that candidates need develop a reputation in the company culture that allows a good boss to take notice. While candidates can follow the good boss, the good boss finds the candidate.
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Drew Craig Sr. Agile & Product Coach| Vanguard Philadelphia, Pa, United States
Jul 22, 2018 3:21 PM
Replying to anonymous
...
Thank you, Andrew Craig. This is a very good idea. Usually, we can find out after we worked for him/her, but how could we recognize a good boss. Are there common behaviors, personalities we can pay attention to?
When you reach a certain point in your career, you better understand what it is that you are looking for and how to communicate it. You also carry the ability to openly discuss and ask leading questions (remember, you are interviewing them as well. One main reason easier when in a current job) to determine if not only the role is right for you, but the culture, which includes the hiring manager.

It's important to determine where they need help, why they are hiring for the role and what your skills, experience, and attributes to do to get them there. Discussing culture, personality, expectations, environment is important, and tbh, expected in my opinion.

Driving the interview to be more conversational can be a great help in determining culture within an organization.
avatar
Kevin Drake Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Luckily I have a good one now. I do not think we have the choice usually
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RAJESH K L Project Manager, PMP| Bharat Electronics, Bengaluru, India Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Finding is really tough. I don't think many get choice of choosing Boss.
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