Do you want to be a great boss?

If you’re responsible for the performance of a group, then you’re a boss, no matter what official title you carry. It’s not an easy job and you won’t ever be done improving. But if you want to be a great boss, there’s one thing you can do to start.

Becoming a great boss starts with touching base a lot.

That’s it. Touch base a lot. Nothing fancy and nothing complex. Just touch base a lot. It’s where all good things start.

Touch base formally with regular meetings

I like daily all-hands meetings to keep everyone up to speed. Ask what everyone is doing today. Ask what support they need.

Have a weekly one-on-one with every team member. Talk about what they’re doing and why it’s important. Make sure they understand how they’re doing. Listen to their issues. Help them make progress.

Touch base informally in the workflow

Check in to see if people need support. Take time to chat. Conversations build relationships.

Good things happen when you touch base a lot

When you touch base a lot, you become a normal part of everyone’s work day. That’s a good thing.

When you touch base a lot you will have conversations and build relationships. That’s a good thing.

When you touch base a lot you will learn about the team members and their work and they will learn about you. That’s a good thing, too.

When you touch base a lot you’re more likely to be there when you can help. Dive in and help. That’s a very good thing.

Boss’s Bottom Line

There’s a lot that goes into becoming a great boss, but it all starts with one thing. Your job is helping people succeed and you can do more of that when you touch base a lot.

More From Wally Bock

How to Talk to Team Members About Performance

Take This Self-Test on Your Readiness to Lead

Great Bosses Make Every Encounter Count

In addition to writing the Three Star Leadership blog, Wally Bock is an author, ghostwriter, writing coach and book doctor. In his past lives he has run a small publishing company, been a popular keynote speaker to audiences around the world, and served as a U. S. Marine. He loves good beer, good friends, and good stories.