By the boss we mean the active proprietor, the executive head, the
owner of the business. He is sometimes called the "old man."
The success of an institution depends largely upon the example set by
the boss.
If the boss is careless in little things, if he is sharp in his
practice, if he does mean acts, he may rely upon it his employes will
copy him, and later on, when some blow strikes the business, he will
find it has happened through the practices of the employes who got
their cues from the boss.
Kindness wins kindness; love wins love. If the boss is generous and
charitable, if he sets a good example, he will have an esprit de corps
among his employes that is of incalculable value.
There is not one chance in a thousand for the boss to make a success
unless he has risen to the position of boss, and climbed and earned his
position through steady progress.
The boss must know how to do the things he hires others to do.
The boss who can show an employe his error in a kindly manner and point
out a better method, leaves a good feeling in the heart of that
employe.
The boss who shows his heart to the employe and is concerned in the
things not necessarily business will be repaid a thousand-fold in
loyalty and willingness on the part of the employe.
Employes deeply appreciate consideration, and especially the little
kindnesses which are not what might be called business practice.
The boss should not be too far aloof; he should be just head and
shoulders above those working under him; he should be just far enough
above that he stands out as a commander.
He should be willing to grant an audience to an employe and should work
with him.
The boss should say we rather than I. He should talk with the employes
and not down to them. He should make each individual under him feel
that he is part of the institution and an element in its success.
Remember this--employes watch the boss and they copy him. Where you
find hard working employes you will find a hard working boss.
The boss cannot run the whole business himself; he is dependent upon
willing hands, and, in order to get willing hands, he must have willing
hands himself.
If the boss is alert and discovers wastes and leaks in his business,
the employes will discover them too, and the business will receive
double benefit.