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Here’s the thing about being self-employed—you are your own boss. Yes, you answer to your clients, customers, publisher, or readers as far as deadlines and product output are concerned, but ultimately as chief bottlewasher you’re in charge.
So, what kind of boss are you to work for? Do you motivate with criticism and sarcasm? Are you supportive or snide? It is definitely an issue to be aware of because if you’re self-employed you have an opportunity to be the kind of boss you've always wished for.
What are the attributes of a good boss? Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:
- They give you the training you need to do your job.
- They clearly outline their expectations for your work and conduct.
- They’re happy for you when you’re doing well and they listen when you have a problem.
- They acknowledge a job well done and give you fair notice if they are unhappy with your work.
- They figure out what motivates you so that they can help you do your job.
- They trust you to do the job well.
- They’re honest with you.
- They have a sense of humor about work and life.
If these are the qualities I would want in a great boss, then the next question is do I treat myself as well as I’d want someone else to treat me? I think the answer for most people who are self-employed is probably not. Occasionally, we may pat ourselves on the back for a job well done but on a daily basis I bet we’re downright snarky.
So what should you do if you’re self-employed and realize your boss really isn’t as supportive as they (you) could be?
I think awareness is always the first step towards a solution. Think about how you treat yourself when it comes to your work. Imagine if you did have a boss how you’d like them to treat you. Put together your own list of what makes a great boss. Go through the list and ask yourself how you can integrate those qualities into your work life, your thoughts, and how you treat yourself.
For instance, do you have unrealistic expectations of what you can accomplish? Have you ever given yourself a list of clear attainable goals to work with? If not, what are you waiting for?
Make a commitment to yourself to be the best boss you can be. It doesn’t have to happen overnight. Make time once a month to review your goals, the state of your business, and your own personal satisfaction with the situation. Assess the condition of your business to see if anything needs to be changed or fine-tuned. Treat yourself, the way you would want the best boss in the world to treat you. A happy employee is productive, loyal, and a true asset to your organization--which, in the case of the self-employed, is you!
