Being a good boss can be a difficult job in itself. You need to get the job done and manage all the things that need to be done as part of your role as well as keeping your team happy and productive at the same time. If you are a boss or in a management position, here are ten suggestions about ways in which you can be a better boss:
1. Communicaten
Listening to your team is vital. Being a good boss often means listening to what is unsaid as well as said. If you do not know about it already, Non Violent Communication is be a great tool that can be used to develop your communication skills.
2. Encourage
Encouraging your employees goes a long way. We all like a bit of encouragement now and then so be aware of providing this for your employees. Just because someone has been doing their job for a long time doesn’t mean that they would not appreciate some positive feedback. Perhaps have your employees engage in learning management systems in order to improve their skills and coonfidence.
3. Use Your Employees Strengths
If an employee is smarter than you in an area of work, use these strengths for the benefit of the team and the company. You cannot be everything to everyone so encouraging your employees in developing the areas that they are good at will be a positive experience for them and make your job easier to boot!
4. Be Self Aware
Employee’s notice what their boss says, doesn’t say and a lot in between! Be aware of the impact your communication and your actions have on your team. Throw away comments or body language can communicate a lot to others about what you really think. Be aware of how you are coming across and make sure it is congruent with what you want to convey.
5. Create a Good Work Atmosphere
Creating a good atmosphere in your work place pays dividends in terms of staff satisfaction, productivity and just the general morale. Team building exercises and promoting inter team working will help to foster a good atmosphere. A boss usually has a lot of influence over the type of atmosphere created in their workplace. Dealing with situations as they occur will help you to maintain a healthy atmosphere for everyone.
6. Trust
Trusting your employees to do a good job is one of the best ways a boss can do to empower them. The difference between working for someone who believes you will do a good job and one who doesn’t trust you are huge. Obviously, sometimes employees need to earn your trust but if you can foster a atmosphere of trust as the norm, things will be easier for everyone including you.
7. Go The Extra Mile
Your employees will notice if you go the extra mile for them and they will usually go out make sure they pay you back equally. Being understanding and fair if they are sick or need to leave early because of their child’s play, are things that are noticed and appreciated. Your employees will help you if you help them. Go the extra mile for your employees and you will have happy workers and people willing to help you out when you need it too!
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