Google Builds Better Bosses to Prepare for the Future

Adapted from Adam Bryant’s NYT article March 12, 2011.  Google’s Quest to Build Better Bosses.

Their mission: to devise something far more important to the future of Google Inc. than its next search algorithm or app. They wanted to build better bosses.

People typically leave a company for one of three reasons, or a combination of them

1. They don’t feel a connection to the mission of the company, or sense that their work matters.
2. They don’t really like or respect their co-workers.
3. They have a terrible boss — and this was the biggest variable Google found in its research.

The company launched a project analyzing performance reviews, feedback surveys and nominations for top-manager awards. They correlated the phrases, words, praise and complaints received over time and compiled a list of good boss behaviours. They used the data and finding to design and implement training.

The results aren’t earth-shattering, and for this company they are real. They come from the people who work there.

Commentary

• Do you believe that with these in place their work environment will nurture and improve their creativity and innovation?
• Are these the skills the one’s that leaders for the future must have, in your opinion?  With these in place will the company be more fit to ride the tides and lead change?
• What are you doing to prepare for success in the future?