Q: What makes a good boss?

I asked 38 programmers the following question:

"Think about the best boss you had. What did she/he do that made you feel that way?"

This is what they answered... (a thread)

1. "He always gave me freedom to try things out, but I'm aware that it's not always possible"

2. "They watch out for you; they want you to become a better person, not just a better employee."

3. "Talked about non-work related things. Took in interest in my career development and how I can get where I want to be."

4. "They didn't look for who to blame, they tried to understand why that problem happened."

5. "You know, the best boss was who what I perceived being very arrogant and even impolite actually defended our team and gave raise, cared passionately about us and success of the venture. They were just facts and principals, this boss never bent or caved in."

6. "Always on the developer side even in tough moments."

7. "They asked questions based on an understanding of the latest research not based on their hubris and assumptions."

8. "The confidence to do things at a specific moment, the great horizontal knowledge and the deep vertical knowledge on technology and its surroundings, the communication skills and his availability to listen people."

9. "They communicated often, were encouraging/supportive, but also pushed me to push myself."

10. "Confident people, they were the kind of people that were always open to help and guide the others."

11. "He let me work, most bosses these days want to manage your time and tasks but at the same time want you to be "independent."

12. "Empathetic, knows how to explain clearly, talk about expectations and schedule."

13. "Trust my vision and execution skills, and providing guidance when necessary. It was important for my professional growth to have space to make decisions and mistakes, but knowing I have someone backing me up."