Being a manager is a lot more challenging than working as a traditional employee. Instead of showing up to the office and completing a series of tasks, it’s your job to set goals, keep tabs on your team and make sure everything goes as planned. It’s a lot of work, and it’s easy to find yourself feeling exhausted or overwhelmed.
Nobody said management was easy, but it doesn’t have to be impossible, either. With a few minor adjustments, it’s possible to thrive in your current leadership position. Here are a few tips to streamline the process:
1.) Get to know your team. The best way to motivate your employees is to spend time with them. If your team members like and respect you, they’ll want to make you proud. Set aside time each week to sit down and interact with your workers. This could be in the form of a roundtable, Zoom conference, or a brown bag lunch. You can dedicate the time to training and education, or you can use it to get to know one another by asking questions or playing games.
2.) Set a good example. Thomas Jefferson once said, “I have ever deemed it more honorable, and more profitable, too, to set a good example than follow a bad one.” In layman’s speak, that means people are always watching, including your employees. If you want your team to work hard and respect one another, it’s important to display that behavior for them. Take time to practice your listening skills and regularly interact with those on staff. When challenges arise, embrace them instead of running away. Commit to learning daily and be willing to admit it when you make a mistake. It’s little things like these that can make you a leader worth following.
3.) Be friendly and approachable. Many executives feel it’s part of their job description to be cold, distant or unapproachable. That might have been the case 50 years ago, but nowadays, teams work together. As more companies transition to remote work, regular collaboration will be even more necessary. When interacting with others, greet them with a smile and a “hello.” Encourage your employees to reach out if they have questions, and don’t be afraid to establish an “open door” policy. If your team feels comfortable around you, they’ll be more likely to make suggestions, which can increase satisfaction and improve your business as a whole.
4.) Communicate, communicate, communicate. Whether you’re running a startup or you’ve been in business for more than 20 years, it’s important to communicate with your team. That rule applies in good times and bad. If your employees know they can trust you to speak up, they’ll also be more willing to support you during times of uncertainty.
These are just a few of the ways you can improve your skills as a manager. Would you add anything to our list? If so, please visit our Facebook page, leave a comment and let us know.
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