Follow these three steps and you’ll start to be a better manager in a matter of days!
- Lead by Example: Leading by example is the golden rule of management. Be the type of leader you would follow. Ask yourself every day, “Who do I want to be?” and “What type of leader would I follow”? Then demonstrate the mindsets, actions, and habits of leaders you admire. Your staff are both looking up to you and listening to you – so speak and act accordingly!
- Talk Less, Listen More: Your staff were hired for a reason! They’re smart and have good ideas. Listen to them. Ask, “What do you think?” and “How can we get there?” before jumping in with your own thoughts. People want autonomy to think creatively and add value. Also, admit you don’t have all the answers. Vulnerability leads to credibility.
- Make Difficult Decisions: Although leading with compassion and empathy are signs of great leadership; at the end of the day, you’re not paid to be friends with staff. In your role as a manager, sometimes you’ll need to make difficult decisions – potentially even let someone go. Employees respect managers who make tough decisions. Also, give staff an appropriate amount of transparency into how you make your difficult decisions.
