When searching for roles, we often overlook the influence of a manager or boss extraordinaire it can have on our work lives and ultimately the growth trajectory of our careers. While it's important to evaluate an organization holistically (ie its mission, values, and reputation), it's equally important to understand who your next line manager will be.

According to James K. Harter, Gallup's chief scientist for workplace management, at least 75% of the reasons for voluntary turnover can be influenced by managers. In fact, according to explorative conducted by Gallup, your immediate manager is the leading predictor of turnover. Recognizing the significant influence they can exert, here are six key traits you should prioritize in your next boss when job hunting.

1. Someone who is led by the collective

Effective managers lead with the company's mission at heart. In other words, they potentiate those around them, especially their direct reports. They do this by understanding that their role as a leader depends on the success of each team member. Former CEO of General Electric Jack Welch summed it up well with the following quote: “Before you are a leader, success is about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is about growing others.”

Great managers learn early that they can't do it all by themselves; they also know their team intimately, including each individual's strengths and weaknesses. So they delegate work in a way that plays off each individual's expertise while moving the collective forward.

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2. Someone who can train and inspire

Not only will your boss need to coach and guide you, but he needs to be able to learn in a way that you can learn. We all grow and store information in different ways, so should your relationship with your manager synergistic. To properly evaluate any future manager, it is important to know and understand the environment in which you work and grow best. For example, are you someone who responds well to direct feedback? What motivates you and how do you prefer to take direction? Based on your answers to some of these questions, you can determine which type of manager will work best for you and your learning style.

Beyond DRILL, truly exceptional managers inspire those around them. By encouraging direct reports to take calculated risks, push boundaries and dream big, they instill a sense of ownership and power. When you talk to potential employers, you should ultimately walk away from your conversation with the hiring manager feeling motivated and energized by the prospect of working for them.

3. Someone who provides autonomy

We've all heard the term “micromanager” and the negative connotation it carries. A good manager gives direction; a great manager encourages autonomy. Look for leaders willing to give you the space you need to experiment, innovate, and achieve. Effective managers are not afraid of potential failure and while they won't compromise on results, they give direct reports the freedom to generate new ideas, reinvent the wheel and think outside the box.

4. Someone who leads with empathy

Empathy plays a fundamental role in how we understand and relate to the people around us. And since a prerequisite to managing people is simply understanding them, great managers lead with SENSITIVE. Empathy is arguably the most important trait a manager should possess; helps build respect and trust. When leaders genuinely care about the well-being of their team members, it creates a culture of camaraderie. Employees feel valued and appreciated, resulting in increased job satisfaction, higher morale, and lower turnover.

An empathetic manager considers the impact of their decisions on the day-to-day work of employees and explains the thinking behind larger decisions that affect the team. In addition, they celebrate the achievements and milestones of direct reports by actively showing appreciation.

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5. Someone who is transparent and honest

A good boss is not only honest when it is convenient, but also when it is difficult. In business, difficult conversations have to be had. Staying open and transparent, an effective manager does not leave their team in the dark. They recognize that keeping their team informed, especially during moments of crisis or uncertainty, is essential to maintaining morale. The manager often sets the tone for the entire team, so if they lead with a sense of openness and understanding, the team will be more likely to embrace accountability and transparency.

6. Someone who not only listens, but listens

Like any relationship, the one between you and your boss depends on strong and effective communication. A great manager listen first and speaks last. Giving their team their undivided attention during group meetings and one-on-ones empowers direct reports to take ownership of projects, allowing them to become the subject matter experts they were hired to be.

During your interviews, take the opportunity to interact with your potential future colleagues. Pay attention to how those who actually work under the hiring manager talk and feel about their supervisors. It can provide valuable insights into the work environment and leadership style.