What makes someone a great boss?
Here's how to improve your Management style this year.
These 4 steps should help you on your way to becoming the Manager you need to be, as well as enhancing employee wellbeing and productivity:
1. Let your team know when they're doing a good job
Most Managers don't tell employees when they are doing a good job, praise is usually saved up for when they're doing a great job. Sincere praise is critical because it's a key motivator that drives productivity. If someone does a good job, tell them. Don't make a joke or a silly comment, just praise them sincerely.
2. Listen to the key people you manage
Many Managers talk, rather than listen to employees. This is a big mistake. It's only when individuals are listened to properly that they feel valued, engaged and are ultimately more productive. Do not interrupt! Employ active listening techniques such as paraphrasing what the employee said back to you, such as: 'What I'm hearing you say is...' This reinforces that you are indeed listening and gives them an opportunity to clarify what they mean, should it be necessary.
3. Don't pitch one employee against another
If you have ever worked in an environment where employees were motivated through comparison, you will know just how detrimental this can be. Many employees can feel insecure about their jobs without internal politics added into the mix. Healthy and happy workplaces are ones with strong bonds between employees. Breeding an environment of comparison and competition will erode employee confidence and performance.
4. Provide stretch opportunities
Stretch opportunities are usually saved for the best and brightest. Why this happens, we don't know. Cross-skilling employees through their involvement in projects or cross-functional teams is a great strategy to reduce employee boredom and to increase engagement. Don't save them for the rockstars of your business, make them available to everyone. You may find that some employees will shine when given an opportunity or will do well with a pivot working with a different team.
Would your business benefit from a free check-up on your HR policies and procedures? Contact us on 9614 3128 for more information.
The year is flying already - Get onto it!