One suggestion for understanding your employees has always been to put yourself in their shoes. But you know, you have shoes of your own, and you have probably walked a few miles in them already. Sure, you need to think about what is important to your employees, but before you start getting worked up about those details, first ask yourself “how would I want to be led?” If you think about what you would put up with and what you would not, it could keep you from doing something stupid. If you think about what would help you and what would not, well, you just might come up with some good ideas.

First, think about what it was like when you were a junior employee. What kinds of things did you like about your boss? Consider the kinds of things that helped motivate you. Was it money? Benefits? Additional training? The ability to make your own decisions or the opportunity to contribute to new projects? Try to remember, too, what you did not like (for most people this is a LOT easier!). Give some thought to how bureaucratic processes affected your ability to do your job…did they help smooth the way or did they slow you down? Did your boss get in your way, or perhaps the other extreme: leave you hanging with no direction at all? Whatever you do, do not do those things you hated in someone else. Everyone can point to good bosses and bad — use that experience, use what you learned, do not just forget it.

A lot of us used to say, “well, if I was in charge…,” and so, here is your chance. Do not be the boss you despised. Try to use the good things from the ones you admired. One caution: do remember that things have changed some, so the ideas you had 20, or even 5, years ago may no longer be valid. When you were saying “if I was in charge,” you meant if you were in charge then. Make use of those lessons that apply, but be careful not to turn your workplace into the perfect place to be 10 years ago.

So, as you think about what it was like back then, also think about what it is like right now. Think about how you would like to be led today. If something from the folks above you would upset you, chances are the people below you will not be too thrilled if YOU do it, either. This sounds like common sense but a lot of people forget it. A little known fact among young employees is that their bosses also sit around and complain about THEIR bosses. It is not unique to the junior people. So think about those things you would not put up with, and ask yourself why anyone else would. When you realize that what works or does not work for you will likely have a similar effect on those whom you lead, you are halfway to understanding how to be the best leader you can.

Bottom line: pay attention to that little voice in your head that says “that could work” or “that is a pretty dumb idea,” because that voice speaks from experience.