Being in charge is not always easy, and how effectively you lead has a huge impact on the success of your business. One of the keys to being a better boss is always being on the lookout for tips on how to accomplish this worthwhile goal.
Here are just a few tips to get you started….
Management is Not One Size Fits All
There are certainly some core aspects of being a good boss; everyone has their own style of management. But, with that being said, it is important to remember the uniqueness of your employees, and that not everyone responds in the same way to a particular approach. Adapt your style as necessary for optimal effectiveness. Carefully consider your employees, and give some serious thought to how you could most successfully guide each one, and act accordingly.
Don’t Leave Employees in the Dark about Your Decisions
It is easy to approach being a boss like being a parent—you get to call all the shots because you are in charge, with the only explanation being ‘because I said so.’ Yeah, you are the boss and technically you don’t owe anyone any explanations, and you can expect everyone to follow suit. But, if you to be a better boss, this probably isn’t the best approach.
In most cases, it will be very helpful for everyone around if you give a little bit of background on why you made a certain decision. Showing your reasoning will help your employees get a better understanding of why you did what you did, and when they understand, they will do whatever it is you want them to do with less resistance and greater effectiveness.
Devote Yourself to Your Development
While being a good leader may come more naturally to some people because of traits they have always inherently possessed, by and large, people excel in this position because of an unceasing commitment to be better. Good leaders are always working on themselves, constantly evaluating to see where they can be better, and do the work necessary to enhance their strengths and work on the areas in which they may be weak.
There are many ways to go about this development, and there is no one best approach. Ultimately, it depends on your primary goals, and what you best respond to. Many business owners find executive coaching to be highly effective. These coaches often have extensive experience in the business world, and have been leaders in their field at one time themselves. They can effectively evaluate you, provide a customized coaching experience and offer practical, actionable tips you can apply immediately in your wok.
Read the top books on leadership, and take notes. Attend relevant classes and seminars. Look for groups of other business owners and regularly meet to exchange ideas and experiences.
Don’t Forget to Tell People What They are Doing Right
Letting people know what they are doing wrong is a necessary component of getting people to do their best work—we need to know about our mistakes and the specific steps necessary to correct them. But, many bosses make the mistake of only zeroing in on what is being done wrong, and no matter how kindly or tactfully you address the issue, only focusing on what is being done ‘wrong’ will begin to wear on people. It zaps morale and motivation. Don’t just be on the lookout for what to correct; also pay attention to what is already being done correctly, and never be skimpy with the praise.
Schedule One-on-One Time
Making the time to meet personally with anyone who is directly reporting to you can be a very effective tool in helping you be a better boss. This one-on-one time allows you to really connect with your employees and provide more in-depth feedback that would be difficult to convey in more casual encounters that take place around the office. This private time also gives employees the opportunity to discuss matters they may feel uncomfortable discussing otherwise in a more public setting, or in a meeting initiated by them rather than you.
If you can follow these five tips, you are well on your way to becoming a more effective boss in every way.
