Masters of the Workplace - What makes for a Good Boss?
“When I woke up, I understood why my boss hadn’t seemed very happy when I asked for two days off: today is Saturday. I had more or less forgotten that, but realized it when I got up. My boss, quite naturally, must have thought that would mean I’d have four days off, including Sunday, which he probably wouldn’t have liked. ”
Factories at Argenteuil, 1888, Gustave Caillebotte, Private Collection - When we think of work and bosses the stereotypical image is that of a factory or a mill.
The Dutch word 'baas' (master) provides us with the English word 'boss'. In German, 'der Chef', in French 'le patron', in Italian 'il capo' which all suggest a leader-as-master role. Yet what makes a good boss, a bad boss, an okay boss? In this episode, Rob and I do a little dive into our memories, mentioning our bosses of the past while discussing our expectations of what an ideal boss should or rather, could be like. Work is a matter of course and we all long to have a great job with great people at our side but also a great person at the top who sets the standards and appreciates his employees. I am sure what we would like to see in our bosses is not unheard of and you, dear listener, feel the same. So, why not have a listen and see if your expectations of a good boss match ours!
“On reconnaît l’arbre à ses fruits (You recognize a tree by its fruit. - i.e. You recognize the worth of a person by their output).”
Les jardiniers (The gardeners), 1875, Gustave Caillebotte - “Il faut cultiver notre jardin.” (We must cultivate our own gardens). Voltaire (1694-1778)
Les raboteurs de parquet (The floor scrapers), 1875, Gustave Caillebotte, Musée - “Chacun son métier, les vaches seront bien gardées.” (French Proverb - each to his labour and the cows will be well-watched i.e. - You should mind your own business.)