“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
These are the words of Jack Welch, a well-regarded global business leader and CEO of General Electric from 1981 to 2000. They should resonate with you as a manager today. Sure, your plate is full. But one of the most important – if not the most important – things you can do is make time for your employees and support them as they grow.
Understand their goals.
One of the most powerful conversations you can have as a manager is about your employees’ goals. When you tap into what drives their passion, you optimize their motivation on the job. And, connecting with their goals also strengthens your working relationship with them.
- Remove any obstacles standing in their way. Be sure your employees have the tools, resources, and support they need to achieve their goals. Ensure they’re in the right roles to get there and help them prioritize and organize their workload accordingly.
Keep your door open.
A common complaint among employees in virtually every industry is that their managers only communicate well when they’re handing down assignments or tasks, but are often unreachable otherwise. Make every effort to reach out and ensure that people have the information and tools they need to succeed.
- Take it a step further and manage by walking around. Team members should not only feel comfortable coming to you when needed, but it also helps to go to them. Build rapport by stopping by their workstation for a casual chat. Get to know them better, and at the same time, you can talk one-on-one about what’s currently on their mind regarding their work.
Be fair and humble.
Treat your employees as equals. Get to know them as individuals. Understand their circumstances and avoid showing favoritism.
Communicate. It starts with listening.
Actively listening to what your employees have to say will not only keep you in the loop about potential problems on the horizon but also show that you care about them and the conditions they have to deal with.
- The goal of listening is to help the other person feel heard and understood. Let your employees talk, without interrupting or jumping in to give advice, until the time is right. Paraphrase back to them what they’ve said, so they know that you got the message.
- Let them know they’re part of something bigger and that what they do matters. When it is your turn to speak, make this crystal clear. Consistently communicate your vision and the shared purpose behind their efforts. Last but not least, acknowledge their contributions and recognize the value they add each and every day.
At PrideStaff Modesto, our goal is to deliver the most to you when it comes to talent acquisition and management. Let us custom tailor an employee and management development strategy for your growing business. Contact us today to learn more.
