While working your way up to the top of the corporate ladder or progressing in your chosen career is undoubtedly a notable achievement, how you handle your authority when you are in a position of power also plays a crucial part in your long-term success. There are good bosses and bad bosses – most of us have worked under both – but how do you make sure that you fall into the first category and create an efficient and harmonious working environment?
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
There is a difference between someone who is just a boss and someone who is a true leader. While a boss might use rewards or punishment in order to get things done, a leader will make use of every opportunity to help their team to
learn and grow. Leaders also elevate their employees and encourage them to tap into their potential.
IT’S ALL ABOUT TRUST
It can be tough, especially if you have a tendency to want to be in control, to relinquish some control. Employees perform much better when they feel they can be trusted and aren’t being constantly micro-managed. Trust that your employees were hired for a reason, delegate tasks to them where possible and allow them to work on their own without constant interference.
KEEP IT PRIVATE
So an employee of yours has botched a project and you start seeing red? Don’t start screaming and shouting. Instead, confront them in private and allow them the opportunity to explain themselves. Remember that we’re only human and
can make mistakes, and trying to belittle your staff will only cause tension within the team and make workers less likely
to perform at their best.
HAVE THEIR BACK
Loyalty is something that is important in any relationship, and the same thing applies for that between bosses and
their employees. While this does not mean that you need to always stand behind your team if they are clearly in
the wrong, a little understanding goes a long way, and it’s important for them to know that you will be standing in
their corner if the situation calls for some support.
GET SORTED
In order to get great results, operations need to run smoothly and, as a leader, your team will look to you to set an
example. Ensure that you are organised and know what everybody, including yourself, is responsible for. Very few
people can perform well in a chaotic environment, so staying on top of your workload is a sure-fire way to ensure that things go according to procedure and stress is kept to a minimum.
SAY THANKS
Let your staff know, frequently, that you value them as part of the team and that you appreciate what they bring to the
table. This may seem straightforward, but you’d be surprised at how many workers feel undervalued – the need for
recognition is something all of us have in common. Even if it’s a small gesture on your part, that in itself will help build
and maintain a positive morale among your colleagues.
CHECK YOURSELF
As much as you might like to think it, you probably don’t know it all, and a lot can be learnt from the different
people you come into contact with throughout your career. Be receptive to learning new things, try to listen to
other people (whether above or below you in rank), and don’t get so caught up in your leadership title that you lose
all perspective.
[Image by Keren Levand via Unsplash]
