Money is powerful and a necessity in our lives, but it is not enough. Unfortunately, many employers act like the only thing they owe their employees is their salaries. We have heard of or been in toxic work environments that made our mental health crash. So much so, that you could be sitting in the most beautiful place you’ve ever been, sipping on the most potent margaritas, and still complaining about your job. The best of things could be happening to you otherwise, and yet all those milestones are adulterated with work stress that is spilling onto every other aspect of your life.
Imagine, working for a good boss or manager, who understands you and your journey of growth. Imagine a boss whose respect you don’t have to earn, a boss who believes in all their teammates equally because, well, they hired you to do a certain job or a boss who doesn’t withdraw the display of faith the moment you err. How easy it would be to grow if your manager was not interested in just getting the task done, but also you thriving!
Many of us join a big company and assume that just the brand name will get us all the growth that we seek. While the onus of your growth should not fall on your boss, having a good one does mitigate your struggle and provide more opportunities.
Here’s why having a good boss is very important for your career.
You end up staying longer at your job
When you’re joining a company, ask what the attrition rate of the team you are being hired for is. The attrition rate is the rate at which people leave the company. Bosses drive the work culture, and if they are supportive, the pay is good and there are opportunities for growth, employees won’t leave as much.
It takes time to grow in the company by understanding the work, their aspirations and understanding the way around things. If you are forced to leave before you even get to that point, it is sometimes not as good for your career. So look for a company that has a good mentor, and gives good pay and appraisals, so you don’t have to jump jobs for career escalation.
A good boss fosters an open work culture
Many managers prefer having a democratic work culture. You should not feel scared of being judged or punished in some way if you express your ideas/concerns. A good boss makes their team members feel comfortable in approaching them with the obstacles they meet. That way, you end up feeling heard and also benefit from the immense work experience your boss has.
You become more proactive and confident
Does your boss yell at you when you make a mistake? Do they treat you with less respect when you did not do as they expected you to? This can make you feel edgy at all times, and get anxious with a simple text from your boss wondering if they’d be upset with you about something. Nobody deserves this. While you must do your best and practise to become perfect at what you do, no human being is 100 per cent flawless.
You will make mistakes at some point and that should not cost you your mental health. In fact, many people feel so afraid of the errors they can make, that they don’t step out of safe waters. They don’t pitch big ideas because they fear failure and the consequent loss of face they will feel.
Your job feels conducive to your aspirations and development
A good manager knows that your career is beyond your current job. You have certain aspirations and you aim to develop and polish specific skills and get some experience. If your manager is interested in you thriving, they will allow you the space to burgeon. They will make sure that working with them is doing a lot more for you than giving you your livelihood. Having said that, it still is on you—the onus to actually seek growth and be perseverant at it.
You feel more secure
When you have a good boss who understands that you are human and not a bot, you feel like you don’t have to be on your toes at all times just to keep your job. Making a mistake doesn’t make you fear the loss of income. There’s a difference between doing good work in a healthy manner and doing it at the cost of your personal life and your mental health—and a good manager will ensure it’s the latter for their team.