Being the boss is difficult enough, especially when you need to counter the natural tendencies that separate you from the people you
manage. Knowing what to avoid can help you manage your people better.
Here are three things to watch out for:
Delusions
of Grandeur: By all means, Bosses aren’t alone on this subject. A great many employees would rate their skills higher than they are
in reality. But do you know everything too? So find a way to get input and evaluations on what your skills are and where you might
need to improve.
Look at Leadership courses, mentors and further education that can improve your skills and make you a better manager of your employees. Training isn’t just for employees, managers need to be trained and educated as well. Events like the Global Financial Crisis expose bad managers in the workplace and by proxy the bad workplaces that don’t train their managers.
Are there bosses in your workplace that could do with some leadership training?
Overlooking your Subordinates: Bosses need to be reminded that
those in positions of power are watched carefully by those who work under them. But that level of attention is often not returned.
When you become the boss, don't forget to remain curious about and engaged with your employees.
Employees don’t change jobs for a few thousand dollars. Often as not, the reason they move is due to you, the boss, and the way you interact with them. In small businesses it’s often very difficult for a time poor boss to engage their employees. You need to find a way for your employees to engage you in a formal atmosphere – a staff meeting for instance – so they can not only get your messages but also feedback information and ideas.
Do you have a forum for workers to engage their boss in the workplace?
Oblivious of Reality: No-one ever wants to deliver the bad
news to the boss. So you, the boss, often don't know the full story. You need to create a workplace culture in which the messenger
isn't shot, but lauded for bringing important information forward.
Changing a workplace culture can be arduous, but in the end
it can be rewarding for the business with a reduction in staff turnover and an increase in committed employees. Are you creating a
culture in your business where you can keep your finger on the pulse and your employees are comfortable to express their views, concerns
and ideas?
Have you reviewed your company core values and set the right culture in place?
