I’m a CEO: Five Traits You Should Look for in a Boss To Maximize Your Success
Written by
Kerra Bolton
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Finding a good job isn’t just about the money. Evaluating your potential boss is critical in a job market where the average time to land a job is three to six months from start to finish.
GOBanking Rates talked to CEOs about the traits or skills your boss should have to ensure you thrive.
Also here is the one skill you can work on to improve your earnings.
A Clear Vision
An effective boss should have a strong vision, be able to clearly communicate it and empower employees with the tools to achieve critical milestones.
“A great boss must be adaptable, enable the team to navigate changes and maintain a customer-centric mindset to align efforts with business goals,” said Jeremy Young, president and CEO of Federal Resources Corporation.
Since Young purchased the company in 2018, its annual sales have grown from $3 million to $100 million in 2024. In addition, he cofounded technology, real estate and energy start-ups.
“They must also empower employees with the autonomy and confidence to make decisions fosters ownership, accountability and long-term success,” Young said.
A Mentorship Track Record
When seeking long-term growth and career advancement, employees should prioritize a boss who demonstrates a commitment to developing their team members.
“Look for leaders who provide constructive feedback, recognize efforts, reward successes publicly and create opportunities for skill development and increased responsibility,” said James Calver, operating expert at Metropolitan Partners Group, a New York-based private investment firm.
Calver recommended seeking out bosses who display integrity, emotional intelligence and the ability to motivate their team.
“These qualities foster a positive work environment conducive to professional growth,” he said. “Ask a boss if they would mentor you. Most leaders will be flattered and will say yes.”
The best time to discover these qualities is during the interview process when potential employees can also decide whether the company and their potential boss would be a good fit for them as employees.
“Employees can ask specific questions during the interview process about the company’s approach to professional growth, mentoring programs and opportunities for skill enhancement,” Calver said. “It’s also valuable to inquire about the manager’s track record in developing team members.”
Calver said interviewees could also ask the Human Resources (HR) department about the potential boss’s mentorship track record if HR is part of the interview process.
“You can ask how previous employees have advanced their careers,” he said.
The Quality of Work Environment
Employees should also examine the quality of the work environment and whether that advances or harms their success.
“A great leader creates an environment where people feel safe, trusted and valued,” Young said.
Red flags such as micromanagement show a lack of trust and stifle creativity and growth.
“Inconsistent or poor communications, such as unclear expectations or lack of availability can leave employees feeling unsupported and hinder performance,” he said. “Additionally, an excessive focus on blame rather than solutions, along with high turnover or visible low morale, indicates a toxic environment that discourages risk-taking and innovation, preventing employee success.”
A Compassionate Character
Great bosses lead with compassion and focus on the growth and development of their team just as much as the company’s bottom line.
“A leader’s true success is measured by how well they inspire and empower others to achieve their full potential,” Young said. “Leadership is about serving those around you, building relationships rooted in trust and fostering a culture where people can learn, innovate and thrive together.”
A Sense of Innovation
It’s also important for employees to consider a boss’s ability to adapt their management style to different individuals and situations.
“Additionally, great bosses actively cultivate a positive team culture by promoting diversity of thought, publicly recognizing achievements and foster a safe working environment where employees can take risks and voice their ideas,” Calver said.
He also said great bosses can foster growth through “micro ways” like sending a handwritten card, a surprise gift card, an extra day off or a half-day Friday to show gratitude.
“Every boss needs to focus on growth,” Calver said. “Growth includes a growth in revenue, profitability, team skill development, human capital, positive culture, fact-based decision making and diversity.”
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