Managing employees can be difficult, and being a leader that inspires the best work from your employees can be even harder. In a post on LinkedIn, John White writes about seven management traits that will inspire your employees and make them excited to work for you.
Those traits are:
Be supportive. Being supportive means giving your employees the tools they need to succeed. That support allows them to feel comfortable at work and willing to admit when they need help. Without support, an employee may fear asking for clarification of a task and continue without clear direction. In the end, this unguided employee will most likely result in inefficiency and cost your business money.
Understand and harness the power of praise. A “nice job” every once in a while can go further in the workplace than you’d think. Far too often, employees feel like they are noticed only for doing subpar work or for their mistakes, while never being given any thanks for exceptional work. Give your employees a reason to enjoy their jobs and they’ll continue doing it.
Lead by example. Leading by example is one of the most effective practices in the workplace. If your employees see you leaving early, then they too will leave early. Don’t let your employees find you slacking off either. If they see you kicking back with your feet up at your desk watching YouTube videos, they’re more likely to do the same. Assuming you want effective employees- don’t be a hypocrite!
Show appreciation by hosting some team building events. Giving appreciation to employees not only gives them something to look forwards to, but gives them a symbiotic relationship with the business that encourages them to put in their best effort. Whether it’s a spirit day or team pot luck, do something to bring your employees together.
Listen to your employees. Your employees most likely have ideas about the business, and whether these ideas are realistic or not. Be willing to listen and engage. Not only will this encourage ingenuity and creativity in the workplace, but it will create a company culture built around communication.
Be generous by offering incentives for longevity. Employees work better when given incentives and are appreciated. In fact, 39 percent of employees feel underappreciated at work, with 77 percent reporting that they would work harder if they felt better recognized. Incentives not only get employees to work harder, but gives employees a reason to stay as well.
Be authoritative. Being authoritative shows your employees that you have control of your business and thus, gives them confidence in their own abilities. Confidence is key, but make sure to continue to listen to your employees rather than using your authority to incite fear.
Becoming a perfect boss is no easy achievement, especially when having to make hard decisions about your own team and product. No boss wants to fire an employee, but following certain leadership models can get you into a tricky situation. Follow these tips and keep your employees working hard and happily!
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