Good Boss Day

What Is Good Boss Day?

November 14th is "Ii Joushi no Hi" (Good Boss/Leader Day) in Japan, established by the Japan Leaders Society (Nihon Leaders Gakkai), which runs the membership business school "Leaders Academy." The date comes from a pun on "ii (11) joushi (14)," meaning "good boss." The day is certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association.

The Idea Behind "A Good Boss"

This anniversary was created as a day for people in leadership or management positions to express gratitude toward the people who support them.

• Employees and team members: gratitude for the people who share the daily workload
• Their families: gratitude for the families who support those employees
• Customers, shareholders, and business partners: gratitude toward the stakeholders who make the business possible

What Makes a "Good Boss"?

Qualities commonly associated with a "good boss" include the ability to truly listen to subordinates' opinions, giving feedback at the right moments, and a willingness to tolerate mistakes while encouraging growth. The Japan Leaders Society works to cultivate leaders with these qualities.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Thank a boss or leader who has supported you in the past
• If you're in a leadership position, take a moment to thank your team members
• Reflect on what "a good boss" means to you, in your own words
• Read a book about leadership

Leadership Takes Shape Within a Relationship of Mutual Support

A "good boss" isn't built by one person's effort alone — it only emerges with the support of the people around them. Let November 14th be a day to put your everyday gratitude into words and reflect anew on the importance of supporting one another.