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Boss Talk: Top 12 Fun Facts About the Leaders We Love to Hate

illustration of bosses
Get ready to chuckle and be amazed as we dive into the lesser-known, often hilarious side of those who wield the mighty title: Boss!

1. Emotional Geniuses Taking Over

Move over, Brainiacs—the era of the "Emotional Genius" has arrived, and they're taking the corner office by storm: A CareerBuilder survey shows that 71% of employers actually prefer emotional intelligence over IQ when hiring, proving that a high EQ leads to better conflict resolution and empathy in the workplace.
Source => online.hbs.edu

2. New Managers Need a Boss Too

In an ironic twist of fate, it appears that many bosses could use a boss of their own: a staggering 60% of new managers underperform or fail within their first two years, as they often lack leadership training, with only 39% of them receiving any and an even lower 31% indulging in coaching by an experienced hand.
Source => leadingwithtrust.com

3. Boss-level Mr. Miyagis

It's no comedy of errors when leaders turn into a regular Mr. Miyagi, waxing on about the importance of embracing mistakes: Studies reveal that bosses who create a blame-free environment and offer second chances can significantly improve their team's learning and productivity by treating mishaps as invaluable lessons and skillfully using humor to defuse tense situations.
Source => forbes.com

4. Mythical Self-Aware Bosses

Lo and behold, ye olde self-aware boss: a mythical creature akin to the unicorn or a polite Internet troll! In an enchanting twist of fate, these wondrous beings possess a magical skill set for effective leadership: self-awareness allows them to perceive how their actions shape their employees' experiences and fosters a spellbindingly positive work environment.
Source => indeed.com

Empathy Equals Monster Performance

5. Empathy Equals Monster Performance

Put away those pitchforks and torches, workplace overlords: it turns out that empathy makes you a monster... at your job, that is: A study analyzing the job performance of mid- to upper-middle-level managers across 38 countries revealed that empathy in the workplace is positively related to job performance. In this oh-so-emotional twist, managers displaying empathetic leadership towards their subordinates end up being considered better performers by their higher-ups. Who knew that embracing your inner empath could lead to a boss-level glow-up?
Source => ccl.org

6. Self-Reflection for Fairest Bosses

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the best boss of them all? When it comes to leadership, it seems the fairest leaders have mastered the art of self-reflection (and we're not talking about prepping for Snow White's ball)! : Bosses who take the time to contemplate past achievements are more adept at strategizing for future success, uncovering valuable insights, motivating their team, and celebrating hard work. So the next time your team scores a big win, give yourself a pat on the back, embrace your inner Evil Queen, and take a moment to ruminate over your triumphs – it's your royal road to ruling the office kingdom.
Source => forbes.com

7. Fun & Profitable Workplaces

Knock, knock, who's there? A motivated team — and they're ready to conquer the world with witty banter, heartfelt gratitude, and spontaneous conga lines down the office halls: Studies have shown that managers who foster positive team engagement through continuous creativity, celebrating achievements, and seeking feedback contribute to a whopping 21% more profitability in businesses. So, dust off those elbow patches, start an office meme chain and don't forget to say "thank you" – it's time for bosses to put the "fun" back in "funding the company needs."
Source => extensishr.com

8. Laughing Your Way to the Top

Bosses beware, laughter at the office doesn't translate to "goofing off" and "tickling keyboards"; instead, it's the gateway to productivity and leadership prowess: Studies have shown that a majority of executives believe that employees with a good sense of humor perform better at work, and humor, along with a solid work ethic, are considered the most desirable traits in leaders – a key ingredient for success at companies like Zappos and Southwest Airlines!
Source => forbes.com

9. Trustworthy Behavior in Healthcare

In the land of stethoscopes and scrubs, where doctors concoct miraculous remedies and nurses brandish syringes like medieval swords, a secret recipe for employee satisfaction has been discovered: A study on healthcare staff in public hospitals in Pakistan found that managers who display trustworthy behavior, such as acknowledging employees' contributions, providing social and economic rewards, as well as showing integrity, benevolence, and extra care, positively impact employee engagement. This effect is further enhanced when employees perceive themselves as insiders within the organization.
Source => frontiersin.org

Power Move: Delegating Authority

10. Power Move: Delegating Authority

Oh, the irony of it all – bosses who give up control are more likely to be the ones "taking charge": According to a Gallup study of 143 CEOs on the Inc. 500 list, companies led by executives skilled at delegating authority experience faster growth, greater revenue, and more job creation – essentially proving that sharing the reins isn't weak, it's a power move!
Source => hbr.org

11. Sports Stars ≠ Office All-Stars

You know how we always thought being the boss of the dodgeball court would make someone a slam dunk decision-maker in the office? Turns out, we might've been dribbling up the wrong court: A study found that playing school sports only boosts teamwork and written communication skills, leaving skills like planning, judgment, delegation, maximizing performance, and communication untouched. And guess what? It doesn't matter if you were shooting hoops, scoring goals, or running laps - the sport itself had no significant impact on level of leadership skills developed!
Source => journalofleadershiped.org

12. Time-Travelling Inclusive Spaces

Who needs a TARDIS when you've got inclusive office spaces? Time-traveling unisex restrooms and empowering support groups are kindling a new era in company culture: providing safe spaces for employees, including unisex bathrooms and in-office support groups, fosters increased engagement and creativity, ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone regardless of their background or experiences.
Source => businessnewsdaily.com

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