Radical Candor

01Being a boss means doing more and guiding your team, not just giving orders

Being a boss isn't just about telling people what to do and making sure things run smoothly. It's about stepping up and taking on more than anyone else, not in terms of tasks, but in terms of responsibility, guidance, and looking out for your team. Kim Scott, in her book, talks about the multi-layered role of a boss. It's about guidance, building a team, and getting results. Let's dive into these three areas for a clearer picture. Guidance, according to Scott, is all about giving feedback to your team. This could be a pat on the back or a constructive critique. The tricky part is delivering this feedback in a way that inspires and uplifts your team, rather than bringing them down. Say, for example, a team member messes up. A good boss wouldn't just point out the mistake, but would also suggest ways to do better and avoid such slip-ups in the future. This not only helps the team member grow but also strengthens the bond between the boss and the team member. Building a team is another key part of being a boss. It's not just about hiring the right people, but also about creating a positive and cooperative work atmosphere. This means building trust and a good rapport with your team. A boss might arrange team-building activities or create chances for team members to work together and learn from each other. This not only boosts the team's productivity but also makes work a lot more fun. Finally, getting results is about setting clear goals and helping your team reach them. This means not just setting the bar high, but also giving your team the tools and support they need to reach that bar. For example, if a team is struggling to meet a deadline, a good boss wouldn't just demand they work faster, but would also look into why they're behind and try to fix the problem. In her book, Scott shares her own experiences and lessons learned as a boss, offering practical advice on how to juggle these responsibilities. She stresses the importance of empathy and understanding when managing a team. For instance, if a team member is dealing with a personal issue, a good boss would show understanding and offer support, rather than just focusing on how it affects work. To sum it up, being a boss, according to Kim Scott, is about doing more than everyone else in terms of guidance, building a team, and getting results. It's about genuinely caring for your team while also pushing them to be their best. This approach not only leads to a more productive and motivated team but also makes you a boss who is respected and appreciated.