5 science-backed strategies to be a better boss

1. "360-Degree Vision." Leaders often struggle to understand what's truly going on. People typically don't share their difficulties or issues unless the leader makes it clear they want to hear about it and help find a solution. Additionally, confirmation bias causes our brains to focus on information that confirms our preexisting beliefs, leading us to miss the true story, especially in complex and unfamiliar situations.

To overcome this, develop "360-degree vision." This means observing from four perspectives: asking probing questions, seeking diverse viewpoints, comparing past experiences, and mapping interconnections between data points.

2. The "ACORN" model for better decisions. While instincts can be valuable, research shows that relying solely on gut feeling leads to poorer decisions. Biases such as recency bias, homophily, and default bias can cloud our judgment. To combat these, use a structured decision-making approach called ACORN: A stands for Aim, C for Criteria, O for Options, R for Ratings, and N for Next Steps. By following these five steps, your decisions will become increasingly better and stronger over time.

3. The "CASE" for Change. Change can be challenging for others to embrace, not because they don't want to improve, but because altering established habits requires more mental effort than simply following routines. To foster lasting change, follow the CASE model: C stands for Clear, A for Appealing, S for Social, and E for Easy.

Make goals clear, appealing by recognizing and appreciating effort, social by fostering a sense of shared purpose, and easy by removing obstacles that hinder progress. As Astro Teller, leader of Alphabet's "Moonshot Factory," demonstrates, sharing stories, making changes appealing in performance reviews, celebrating shutdown decisions, and providing ongoing feedback can significantly increase the likelihood of successful change.