Being a boss means being a leader. The best leaders take care of their people.
Most industries depend on teams of people coming together to meet a goal, create a project, or solve a problem. You’re only as good as the person who cares the least. So it’s important that everyone cares as much about the end product as you do.
Here are the rules I believe all good bosses should follow in order to create a productive and happy workplace:
• Compensate fairly and pay promptly.
• Feed people well and often.
• Show your appreciation verbally.
• Be clear and direct about your expectations.
• Know how to utilize the talents of those around you.
• Don’t waste anyone’s time.
• Be a pleasure to work with.
These things feel obvious, but sometimes we in the film industry get wrapped up in ourselves. We’re so stressed out about deadlines and not going over budget that we forget we’re all just humans trying our best to make this thing. We’re all working toward the same goal. We all got into this business because at one point in our lives we watched a movie or a TV show or a piece of art and thought, I wanna make that. I wanna do that.
I’ve seen so many people get hurt on set because of the need to rush. I’ve had producers scream at crew members. I’ve been screamed at. There’s so much bad behavior excused by the film industry because “the show must go on.” No, it doesn’t. It doesn’t have to go on. The crew could completely walk away from a set. The actors could quit. The producers could pull the plug.
The show can go on, but remember it’s just that: a show.