In that time I've been fortunate to have 3 bosses that I truly liked, and the rest were all valuable lessons on how not to treat your employees and clients. Of the 3, I married one. For the record, he was a terrible boss... but likable all the same.
So what did these 2 bosses have that the rest didn't?
Captain qualities.
You can read a million books on management, but all you really need to do is watch an episode of original Star Trek and take a cue from Captain Kirk.
I would have worked for any company, done any job, and settled for less money, if it meant working for someone who embodied these principles.
Fortunately for me, and like all good Captains, both pushed me to voyage out on my own. It's what I learned from them that has enabled me to be successful.
Captain Kirk's Rules to Management
1. Love the Enterprise.
Kirk's first love is the Enterprise. Do you love your job? Your employees can tell if you don't, and if you do... that passion will rub off.
2. Know your crew.
Know their strengths, and use them. Spock is logical, McCoy is emotional. You can't ask one to do the other's job. That would be illogical. Respect your employee's unique talents, put them to use, and they'll feel more valuable and appreciated.
3. Make the best decisions for your ship.
Large corporations, or starship federations, don't have direct relationships with their employees. They may not understand when a vulcan needs to make an emergency trip home for an arranged marriage, or when one of your employees needs some time away. It's your job to support your team, and if that means breaking or bending the rules in some circumstances... you need to know when to do that. Kirk would put his career on the line for his crew. Would you?
4. Take leave.
If the crew knows their jobs, you can and should take a step back. Even Chekov gets to sit in the captain's chair once in a while. Give your employees the tools and opportunity to advance, and trust them to succeed.
5. Become friends.
Spock & McCoy may disagree with Kirk's decisions at times, but they always defer to their Captain. Kirk has the authority, but more importantly he has their respect. Why? Because he loves his ship and he knows, defends, and trusts his crew. He'd do anything for them, and in return they'd do anything for him. Build a friendship based on mutual respect and your employees will follow you where no man has gone before.
