The importance of quality leadership cannot be overstated. As a manager and leader, you can make or break the success of your firm or business.
A manager should encompass many traits that empower their workers. They should not only ensure that goals are being met, but also serve as a source of guidance and motivation. More than ever, it's vital to prioritize a healthy workplace environment that will leave workers feeling content.
If you're the head of a firm, a manager seeking growth, or an ambitious worker looking to pick up tips, this article is for you. Read on to discover how to be a mindful manager and the positive impact you can have on your workplace.
Set clear expectations. No one knows your company's objectives better than you. When you're in charge, it's your duty to communicate those goals and have a plan for achieving them. Set these expectations early and often, and make sure to keep them realistic.
There's a chance you've heard of SMART goals, the action of mapping out your company's targets. The acronym stands for "Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based." You can set expectations in the same way. Writing them down and breaking them into attainable steps can increase your company's chances of success. It's always a good idea to put your expectations into writing so they will be there when you have need, and your employees will have a point of reference.
Create opportunity. As a manager, you have the power to create new opportunities for your employees to grow and improve. Don't let your team stagnate and give them a chance to shine! And if you're a perfectionist who tries to take on the world by yourself, it's time to break that habit. Don't be afraid to rely on your teammates. If you take on too much of the workload, you will become burned out and your leadership can falter. After all, you are only human.
Know when to delegate and avoid micromanaging. Empower your team by trusting them with tasks you know they will excel at.
Offer flexibility. Flexibility can include many things: work hours, the option for remote work, time off, and even the dress code. This may not always be possible, but it's a way of showing you trust your employees. It encourages autonomy and can even improve morale and loyalty. Flexible schedules have become greatly desired in the past few years and are especially important to younger generations. It's also highly sought after by families juggling multiple schedules.
If the option is available to you, think about how you can make it work. Don't be afraid to ask for input. Which brings us to our next point...
Make employees feel valued. Asking others for their opinion and involving them in decision-making can go a long way. It demonstrates an open mind. You should never shut yourself off from new ideas. A lot of established companies like to say, "This is the way we've always done it," but the world is ever-changing (particularly in these past few years!), and you should adapt to keep up with it.
Put in the extra effort to get to know your team, and make sure they connect with one another, too. Host icebreaker parties, complete with food and drink. Reward them and recognize them for their hard work. Or simply take the time to ask how their weekend went. You don't need to be their best friend, but simply showing interest in their lives can build trust and respect.
Embrace positivity and growth. Low morale is where work ethic goes to die. Make positivity your weapon of choice in defeating it. Celebrate the small achievements and make it known often that the work of your employees is appreciated. Even when you have to critique their work or draw attention to the flaws they could improve on, there is still a place for positivity. Let them know what they are doing well so they can continue to excel.
Communication is key. Smooth operations rely on an open, two-way street of communication. Make an effort to keep your team in the loop and share any important information or developments they need to know. Host weekly meetings or scheduled email updates. Clear communication will cut down on potential misunderstandings and mistakes. Make it a priority to check in with your employees often so nothing is missed.
Excellent communication includes listening skills, too! Your employees should feel comfortable to approach you and share updates. Listening to what they have to say can make them feel heard and improve their sense of importance. Because they are important and they should know it.
These are the qualities a mindful manager should possess, but you have other responsibilities when it comes to your employees and your clients. Don't miss PBI's webcast replay, "Practical Cyber Security Strategies for You and Your Firm." Earn live credits while learning how to safekeep your clients' information and keep your firm protected from a breach.
COMMENTS