We all know the type – the business owner for whom any employee would bend over backwards.  The shop owner whose staff treats every single customer as if they’re the most important person in the world.  There are entrepreneurs who inspire fierce loyalty and adoration, and we can learn a lot from these people.  What is it that makes them so special?

They’re truly authentic.  Adored entrepreneurs are unabashedly themselves.  They’re consistent because they’re not playing a game or putting up a front when they’re on the job.  Whether you see them in the office or at the amusement park, these people are always true to themselves.

They understand the power of reciprocity.  Adored entrepreneurs understand that hard work, honesty, and trust are given to the bosses who first demonstrate those qualities themselves.  Being open, trusting and trustworthy, and being willing to work harder than anyone on the staff is how the best business owners manage to have a staff who’d go to the ends of the earth to prove that they deserve the boss’s respect.

They’re positive.  We have to learn to lead the way in enthusiasm.  After all, if you’re not excited about your company, how on earth can you expect your assistant to be excited?  Harness the power of emotion and show your staff that you’re pumped about what you’re doing.  It’s important to acknowledge the negative things that will arise, but you should work to banish negativity (and the morale drain it creates) from your workplace.

They’re highly approachable.  The most powerful entrepreneurs I know are fiercely democratic, in that they believe that we’re all equal.  An adored entrepreneur knows that every single employee is important and has valuable insight to share and provides a unique value to the company.  Whether it’s the janitor, the top salesperson, or the part-time customer service rep, we need to be available to every single member of our staff.

They listen more than they talk.  We have two ears and one mouth for a reason, folks.  We should listen twice as much as we speak, and adored entrepreneurs understand this principle.  Observe, learn, and take it all in.  Then when you have something to say, people will listen.  Make your words count because of their content, rather than by being the most long-winded one in the room.

They pat, kick, pat.  Entrepreneurs have to deal with problems just like anyone else, but what differentiates the adored ones from the rest is the ability to give constructive criticism.  Start with a pat on the back, follow it up with a kick in the ass, and end with a pat on the back.  Praise, admonish, and praise.  This technique softens the blow and reinforces that you believe your employee is an important member of your team.

They work hard.  True entrepreneurs know that they have to set the example for the entire company.  If you’re merely in it for the Rolex and the golf club write-off, then it’s going to show in the attitudes of your staff.  Working hard sets the tone and motivates your employees to follow your lead.

They’re both authoritative and human.  Adored entrepreneurs don’t ignore problems.  They acknowledge that problems are inevitable, and then set out to solve them right away.  We like our leaders with a healthy dose of empathy and a willingness to acknowledge that any path that’s worth taking will come with its share of difficulties.  Let your staff know that you’re a realist who won’t tolerate problems for long.  Be a problem solver and move on.

They’re masters of public recognition.  There’s a huge reward in acknowledgment.  Being lavishly, genuinely praised in public will win over your staff every single time.  Just as you serve up criticism in private, you should bestow praise publicly.  Your employees will not only be proud of their accomplishments, but also proud of their place in your company.

Don’t get me wrong.  I’m not telling you that being an entrepreneur is a bed of roses.  There will be plenty of times when you have to make hard decisions that can’t possibly make everyone happy.  What I am unequivocally saying is that you can still, consistently keep the respect and adoration of your staff if you model the traits listed above.