In any  hierarchy, whether corporate, charitable, government or even family, you have a boss (manager, supervior, board of directors).  I shared with some colleagues today  a simple analogy I have to illustrate the basic behaviors of a good boss.

Of course the supervisor/ subordinate relationship is highly complex.  My model is just a simple illustration of the baseline behaviors I find most effective whether I am in the boss or subordinate role.

The Cut Man

In boxing the fighter enters the ring and engages with the opponent. During breaks in the battle he retreats to his corner and the cut man cleans him up (as needed) and provides encouragement and support.

In an organization your boss ( leader/supervisor) should provide the same support and encouragement as the cut man (including cleaning up the mess) as you engage in the activities within and outside your organization, to achieve your objectives.

That is you go out and do the things required to achieve your objectives and your boss is the cut man that helps make sure you win (achieve your goals)

Stay out of the Ring

One of the most common mistakes I see bosses make is entering the ring.  This is unfortunate.  The message is, you can’t do it so I will do it for you, or something similar.  This can leave you with the question, “why am I here?”.

Encouragement, support and cleaning up the mess ( if there is one) these are the right things for the boss to focus on.