Why I like my boss

Last week, my boss announced that he will be transferred to a new post in London this coming January. I’m happy for him, but at the same time I know work and the office wouldn’t the same without him. Although I have only worked with him for a little over a year (note that I used ‘with’ rather than ‘for’), he has been such a positive element in my working experience. The following is a list of why I like him, or rather why I think he’s a great boss. Who knows, if ever our turn comes to have subordinates in the future insyaAllah, let’s not forget they also have expectations of us.

• He is a patient teacher. Teacher is the first key word – he doesn’t hoard information or knowledge (which he has lots) and is always happy to share them (as long as it doesn’t conflict any confidentiality interest of course) or in other words – tak kedekut ilmu. Patience is another – he doesn’t mind repeating explanations if people find it hard to comprehend. He doesn’t say, “Haven’t I explained this to you already?”
  
• He is smart and sharp. Sounds obvious, right? Well, you’d be surprised at how this should not be taken granted. My boss is smart in the sense that: i) he has in-depth expertise in his area of business ii) he asks the right questions to get the right answers iii) similarly, he answers questions and iv) he can take a few seconds to think and come up with brilliant out-of-the box ideas or solutions.
  
• He is not bossy. He gives out instructions in friendly manners, for example “Can you help me do this so and so”, and he explains how the work that you do is contributes to the bigger picture. He thanks and acknowledges people’s contributions, and he also gives credit when credit is due. He corrects people’s mistakes tactfully, yet he is also able to exert pressure when there’s a slack.
  
• He promotes work and life balance. He doesn’t expect people to work long hours, he understands when family is put before work, and allows room for flexibility. I guess it helps that he’s a family man himself; quite often talking about his four kids.
  
• He is a good leader. He is capable of both strategizing as well as implementing actions. He is aware of realities on the ground, and he can be relied on to make sound decisions. He takes accountability on his subordinates’ work and performance.
  
• He has integrity. He is honest and plays by the rules.

Wow – reading back, he suddenly sounds too good to be true. Of course no one is perfect, and he has his flaws as well. The list also makes me realize – it’s not easy to be a leader! Thanks dear ex-boss-to-be, and I wish you all the best. Ya Allah, berikanlah hidayah dan nur Islam kepada beliau…

And to all, Eid Mubarak! Salam Aidilfitri dan maaf zahir batin.