Being in charge can be great, but it can also be overwhelming, and you can find yourself doubting your leadership skills. Not to fear! Keep these eight tips on how to be a better boss in mind and you’ll soon be receiving a “Best Boss Ever” mug at the office’s next secret Santa party.
1. Get to know your employees.
This may sound like a no-brainer, but some bosses really don’t get to know their employees personally. This can be difficult, depending on how big the organization is, but even just walking around the office and spending a few minutes asking how someone’s day is can really make a difference. Personal connections matter to people, and your employees will feel valued thanks to your efforts.
2. Be consistent.
If you’ve instituted a policy in the workplace, stick to it. If you let some employees slide, it may seem like you’re giving them preferential treatment, and you can appear too easily controlled by others. You’re running the place, so put your foot down and run it consistently. That being said, make sure you’re being moral in your decisions, even if it’s hard or uncomfortable at the time. You have to be able to defend any decision you make because, as the boss, all eyes are on you.
3. Get your hands dirty.
Even though you are in charge, that’s no reason to put yourself on a pedestal. Help out on a project that your employees are working on, even if it’s not really in your job description. Good leaders are also good contributors, so make sure you remind your employees what a hard worker you really are.
4. Do what’s right, even when it’s hard.
Whether that means standing up for your employees, giving someone a stern lecture, or even firing someone, a good boss has the courage to do what’s ultimately right for his or her organization. Don’t be afraid to do what you feel is the right thing. Ultimately, your organization will be the better for it.
5. Be your own person.
When you get that promotion to management, don’t be afraid to make the organization yours. Shake things up a bit. It’s likely that everyone would benefit from some changes, and it just might make the organization run more smoothly in the process.
6. Reward hard work.
Your employees work hard, so you should recognize that. Compliment them on successes, and reward them when they’ve produced really great work. Whether that means a pat on the back or lunch on you, show them you care. Your employees will want to work harder when they know their work is being noticed and recognized.
7. Have fun.
All work and no play makes for a lackluster organization. While you’re not paying your employees to have fun, your employees are also not a bunch of robots. People need to get out and have fun every once in a while. Plus, having fun as a group can strengthen bonds and form friendships within the organization that will work in your favor. Consider hosting a company-wide retreat. If an all-day affair is a little too daunting, try buying bulk tickets to a sports game, or, if the organization is small enough, host a dinner party.
8. Take courses in management and communication.
As the boss, it’s your job to manage everyone who works for you. If you’re not used to managing people, or are feeling a little rusty, consider taking a seminar to brush up on your management skills. Many universities and community colleges have courses specifically for professional development. You and your employees will benefit from some of these topics. Communication is key to running a smooth operation, and taking a course in communication can really help teach you the best way to get your point across when talking to your employees.
Featured photo credit: Steve Jurveston via photopin.com
