When your employees see you coming, do they say, “Here comes help!” or “Here comes trouble!”? When an employee doesn’t show up for work, are you scrambling to get other employees to pick up the slack, or are you rolling up your sleeves and pitching in to get the job done?
You set the work atmosphere as a manager and a leader — lead by example and your employees will follow. Are you thanking them for their dedication, praising them for accomplishments, and turning failures into teachable moments? How you treat your employees trickles down to how they treat your customers. If you treat them with hostility and indifference, don’t surprised when they do the same to your customers? Conversely, if you create a productive work environment, ask for and listen to feedback, and work to improve teamwork, that positivity will also make its way to your customers.
How Leaders Inspire Success
People want to succeed. Nobody comes to work to fail. It seems obvious — so why do so many managers operate on the principle that if people aren’t watched and supervised, they’ll bungle the job? Once you have the right people in place, you shouldn’t have to worry about them getting the job done. Trust them to do their job as you are trusted to do yours. Build your foundation of trust through employee training programs, mentoring, and effective delegation. Bosses bark orders and condemn shortcomings. Leaders provide the right tools and offer support as employees develop their skills.
Lay out concepts and ideas, but let your people execute them. Step back and allow them to own their work. Communicate your vision for success to your staff. Be sure everyone understands it. Above all, truly appreciate your employees. They can make you or break you.
Leadership and the Culture of Convenience
Leaders who create a culture of convenience are able to streamline tasks and establish processes that improve employee performance and increase everyone’s productivity. Get weekly ideas on how to make your job easier through the Culture of Convenience podcast. Listen now!
