Being a better manager is a hot topic that is discussed in many company meetings, no matter what industry you’re in. Management has a huge impact on the success of the company and the performance of individual employees and departments. As you improve as a manager, you’ll notice that your employees are happier, more productive, and less likely to leave the company. This leads to better customer service and ultimately more sales for your business.
Improving as a manager is not something that happens overnight. You’ll have to go through a process of implementing simple methods and changing your daily habits, and over time, you’ll see results. Keep in mind that you may need to follow a specific management system to maintain and improve efficiency in your industry, but focusing on letting your team know that they are valued is essential no matter what type of products or services your company offers.
Here are a few practical suggestions for how to be a better manager at your business.
Take Time to Get to Know Your Employees
Spend time connecting with each of your employees and become familiar with their professional skills and personalities. Talk to your team members and get to know their career goals as well as their passions and interests. This information will help you assign the right projects to your employees. You’ll also learn how to encourage and motivate your employees and you’ll know which tasks or projects are more challenging for certain team members.
Communicate with Your Team
Even though you’re a manager and there are tasks you have to complete that don’t involve the entire team, it’s important to be forthcoming with your employees. Communicate with your employees about pertinent information that could affect their performance and make your expectations clear. This opens the lines of communication and makes your team members feel comfortable coming to you with questions or concerns.
Listen to Your Employees
If your team members come to you with ideas to improve efficiency or have concerns about work conditions, take time to listen to what they have to say. After you hear what your employees have to say, do your best to implement their suggestions into the workday and try to resolve issues as soon as possible. This is the first step to successful customer service. When you make your employees a priority, they are more likely to extend that same courtesy and kindness to your customers.
Be a Motivator
It’s important to motivate your employees to work hard, but you should also give them incentives for being dedicated to the mission of your company. Don’t just be a manager–be a leader. Make sure you give your team clear direction and show them how to be successful within your organization. Congratulate your employees for doing a good job, both personally and in front of the group.
Celebrate Successes
You should intentionally look for the great things your employees do daily. Don’t focus all of your attention on mistakes or what your team is missing. You can address these issues, but most of your communication with your employees should be encouraging and positive. Make your write up reasons clear (i.e. showing up late, not completing projects on time) in your handbook or onboarding material so your team knows your expectations without you having to constantly repeat them. Let your team know how much you appreciate the hard work they do and how they directly contribute to the success of your company.
Improve Yourself
As a manager, it’s crucial that you give your team resources for improving their professional performance. However, you must also focus on improving yourself. This means evaluating your strengths and weaknesses and taking the necessary steps to cultivate your strengths while working through your challenges. Your team needs to see that you’re determined to be your best — it will motivate them to do the same.
Show Your Human Side
You’re not superhuman just because you’re a manager or business owner. Own up to your mistakes and ask for help when you need to. Your team needs to see that you’re human too, so they won’t feel inadequate when they have to ask for help. This will also help you form bonds with your employees and make the workplace a more comfortable environment, which boosts productivity.
Conclusion
There are many more suggestions you could incorporate into your business model to properly manage your company, but these core principles can help you gain a better understanding of your professional goals. When you’re clear on your company’s objectives, you can effectively lead your team and provide a safe and encouraging space for everyone to enhance their skills and boost their professional confidence.
