Being an Effective Leader Goes Beyond a Token Gesture.
It’s universally acknowledged that people prefer working for considerate bosses. Typically, bosses are categorized as either exceptional or dreadful. If you hold a leadership position within your organization, you probably aim to belong to the former group. While being a “fun” boss is appealing, some supervisors may overdo it by excessively rewarding employees, depleting company resources, and hindering productivity. The most effective type of leader is one who motivates their team through support and recognition. So, how can you achieve this?
- Maintain Communication: Greet your employees, inquire about their well-being. Avoid isolating yourself in your office until a problem arises. Keep an open-door policy, mingle with your team, engage in casual conversations. You don’t have to be everyone’s best friend, just be present.
- Provide Constructive Feedback: Give praise when deserved and offer guidance when necessary. It’s vital to acknowledge accomplishments and areas that require improvement. However, avoid combining both in a single conversation as it may come off as condescending.
- Offer Professional Growth Opportunities: Feeling trapped in a dead-end job is disheartening. Assure your employees of pathways to advancement and increased compensation. Follow through on your promises by advocating for promotions within the company. Recognize and endorse the talents of deserving team members.
- Be Flexible: Circumstances may arise that require employees to be absent occasionally. Life can be unpredictable, and unforeseen events may lead to tardiness or early departures. Unless the situation demands immediate attention, missing work occasionally is not catastrophic. Establish clear communication expectations with your team so they can notify you promptly of any scheduling conflicts.
