National Boss Day (Oct. 16) is the day to recognize those who seem at times to be living the sweet life, while other days, as if they’re carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders.

What makes these mere mortals great supervisors, chiefs, managers and overall top dogs, leading groups big and small to success, are characteristics that Bob Dodd, instructor of business management and leadership at the College of Lake County says we all posses. The trick, though, is to develop and master them.

First thing first, a good boss is someone who is self aware, Dodd said.