Whether you are struggling to motivate an apathetic workforce or launch great performers to the next level, leadership is defined by taking initiative and bringing out the best in your team. As we enter 2017, seize the opportunity to start fresh. Rather than trying to encourage employees from behind your office door, join them on the front lines by being an active member of the group. Follow these top four tips to maximize the potential of your people
1. Make Time for Your Team
When your people need you, be there for them. It may not always be simple, but it should be a priority. If a concern is brought to your attention, be an active listener and be attentive. The last thing you want to do is halfheartedly listen to an employee’s plea while browsing your inbox.
Try to understand where your colleague is coming from, and treat their needs fairly. Don’t minimize, empathize. Take care of matters immediately if you can, or schedule a specific time to review the issue. Assigning that matter a designated block of time will comfort an employee and help them feel heard and appreciated.
2. Be Amiable
Even the most considerate bosses can sometimes seem removed from their employees. Remind your team that you’re human by reaching out to connect. Build rapport, take note of special occasions and what goes on in their lives. Think about all of the best bosses you’ve encountered. Chances are, along with their ambition, came attentiveness.
Employees don’t want to be treated like drones and do not appreciate a closed-door management style. Additionally, reliability is key. Show up, and arrive ready for the day. How motivated would you feel each day if you didn’t feel confident your supervisor was passionate about their work? It’s difficult to rally behind a boss that’s slacking on time management, or that doesn’t come in at all.
3. Communicate, communicate, communicate
Always stress an open line with your team. They need to know that they can contact you during an emergency and during day-to-day struggles. Make sure you are consistently keeping in touch through email, phone, or any other tools that help your employees stay up to date. Consider sending out a weekly or monthly “State of the Company” memo, to discuss goings on in your office and keep them apprised of upcoming assignments and events. This can also be a great way to extend much-needed recognition to your hardest workers.
Never be afraid to communicate too much. The enemy of efficiency is ambiguity. Not only does a good leader clearly indicate what he or she expects of an employee, they also allow opportunities for questions and feedback. Think about the productivity loss you encounter when you assume a worker knows what to do, but they were too intimidated to ask for further instruction. To avoid backtracking and revising assignments, streamline your message for concise communication. You want your team to feel comfortable asking questions and learning more about how this project will help the company in a broader sense.
4. Make Strong Decisions
Decisive action is the hallmark of a terrific leader. When a choice needs to be made or a deadline needs to be met, don’t parse words on make excuses. Forceful leadership is what sets you apart from the group, and allows your team to feel good about following you. Sometimes you might feel like the bad guy, but positions of power come to those that can set aside insecurity to take initiative.
Weak leaders don’t invoke confidence. Although you may hurt peoples’ feelings or make a mistake, it’s better to take a stand. Employees are less likely to feel contempt for you if you make a mistake than if you hesitate to make a decision at all. Your team wants to see you succeed, and that means leading the way with distinctive action.
Are you gearing up for a new level of productivity for your staff in 2017? Why wait – start now by learning more about how you can optimize your teamwork and facilitation abilities by contacting the professionals at Davis Staffing. We have the best resources and personnel for you to draw from to enhance your company’s culture and make you a winning group — today!