If you have been lucky enough to work for a great boss (or, indeed, unlucky enough to work for a bad one) you'll know the difference it can make to your life, both in and out of the workplace.
To salute the UK's best managers, first direct launched the Best Boss award, asking those who work for inspiring managers to nominate them on this site. And nominate you did. Hundreds of entries came in from across the UK, representing both the public and private sectors, ranging from borough councils and primary care trusts to technology giants and retail household names.
The quality of entrants was extremely high but our judges, first direct head of marketing Paul Say and Cary Cooper, professor of organisational psychology and health at Lancaster University management school, feel that "the winner really jumped off the page".
That winner is Gill Mortlock, director of offender management for the National Offender Management Service (NOMS). With more than 40 years' experience in the public sector and over 4,000 staff, Mortlock is responsible for 11 prisons and three probation trusts, all working towards offender rehabilitation.
Mortlock was nominated by administration officer KT Elliott, with whom she has worked for two years. first direct's recent survey, Colourful Lives, found that most employees (83%) consider approachability to be the most important quality in a boss, and Elliott cites this as one of the main reasons for nominating Mortlock. She says that "Gill is always even-tempered with everyone" and pours a lot of energy into getting people involved in all areas of the business.
Elliott explains that Mortlock introduced regular multi-discipline meetings to encourage staff to think about the business as a whole and generate ideas. "Gill listens and genuinely consults," says Elliott. "She remembers previous conversations, indicating that she really has registered details and reflected on them."
Mortlock, for her part, has seen the benefit of this approach. "It's amazing what people can come up with," she says. "If people are involved then they have ownership, and that's very motivating."
As Professor Cooper points out: "Listening is very important."
Elliott's heartfelt entry also reflects the importance of praise and positivity in the workplace. She explains how Mortlock frequently praises staff, in personally written cards, one-to-one conversations or by email. Mortlock sees this as vital: "I'm an optimist. I always think the best of people. Many top bosses look at the problems, I like to look at the best practice. It's more useful."
Cooper was particularly impressed with Mortlock's ability to praise her staff in a personal way and as a team. As well as the "simple thank yous" Mortlock says she gives her staff, she has also introduced regional awards to enable her to recognise more people for their work. "I wanted to involve everyone", she explains. "National awards allow for fewer nominations. And it means more when you are with your peers."
Say adds: "Mortlock stood out because of the courageous leadership she demonstrates daily in what is undoubtedly a very challenging environment. She draws on her vast experience to lead those around her and focuses on what matters most – her people. By motivating her team in such an unfailing and unique way, they are then in a great position to provide the best support to those in their care. "
However, the winner of the first direct Best Boss award would rather point to the work of her team. "I'm honoured to have won towards the end of a fairly long career but I'm a bit embarrassed," says Mortlock. "I would have to pay tribute to our partners and the rest of my team. It's not just me."
Such a self-effacing attitude can be hard to find in today's fast-paced workplace and is something we can all learn from. As Elliott says: "An inspirational boss."
Mortlock wins £1,000 worth of Virgin vouchers – ideal for putting towards a well-deserved holiday. Elliott receives a Samsung Galaxy Tab.
