It’s not easy being the boss. You have every aspect of the business to contend with alongside other things you never even thought were in the job description. I think a lot of managers and business owners struggle in managing people. It’s safe to say that this part of the job doesn’t come with a manual. You can’t please everyone and yes you do still have a business to think of.
But there are three things you can do to be a better people manager when you are in the workplace.
Have a heart
Everyone has their problems. You even have your life issues and worries to think about. While it’s fine to ask people to leave their personal business at the door sometimes, it can get a little too much. You may have an accountant whose partner has left them for someone else. You might even have internal relations issues with people dating one another. All of which you would love to say aren’t your concern. But when it’s happening on your watch, it suddenly becomes your issue. Sure, you want to say, “Pull yourself together” or “Get on with it”.
But sometimes you need to have a heart and remember that it all happens to the best of us. We all have bad days, and while you can’t let their work slip, you can offer your thoughts and a friendly ear should they need it. Of course, it shouldn’t be a regular occurrence, but showing compassion can build up a lot of respect for you as a leader.
Improve the business surroundings
It can be very important for you to realize that your business surroundings are very important to your employees. So it’s vital that you present them with what they need to do the job they do. From considering purpose-built buildings so that work can be carried out, to keeping offices warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You may find that giving your employees the right surroundings and tools for the job can increase productivity. Which makes for a better working environment.
Motivate and praise as much as you can
Some people work well off praise. If you tell them they are doing a good job, they like the feeling they get from hearing it. So they continue to do things well, to keep on hearing it. It’s a continuous cycle. Some employees work well if they have a particularly motivational manager. This is where often an improvement in your leadership skills can help you to do this. You could look into development coaching to make some changes. If they aspire to be like you and you encourage them to keep up the good work. Motivational discussions. Weekly or monthly meetings to discuss progress can have a positive effect on the employee.
The business is at the heart of everything you do. At the end of the day, you have your job to think about. But if you can keep your team happy then you are off to a good start. Remembering that they are people, just like you and me, will go a long way to earning respect from your team and achieving great results.
