Great article:
How to Be a Leader – Not a Boss – to Get the Most From Your Employees
Are
you giving your employees a hand up to help them achieve greatness?
Boss's Day is a great time to examine your leadership style.
A special post in celebration of Boss’s Day
As employees across the country observe Boss’s Day today, it is a
great time for managers at all levels to examine the effectiveness of
their leadership style.
Though the technical definition of a “boss” is someone who supervises
employees, simply being a supervisor does not naturally make you a
leader. To motivate your employees to do the best job possible, you must
transition from being a “boss” to being a true leader.
To help distinguish between a boss and a leader, ask yourself:
- Do I talk at my employees or do I really listen to them and share ideas?
- Do I demand (projects, results, etc.) or do I motivate employees to strive for common goals?
- Are employees scared of me or do I have a rapport so they feel valued, both as a team member and as a person?
Simply put, leaders lead
Instead of just barking orders and expecting employees to blindly
follow, leaders lead the team toward completing common goals. Leaders
who connect and engage with their employees often demonstrate a
willingness to also perform tasks they request of their team. Leaders
are ready to advise, engage in discussion and listen to any feedback an
employee has to offer.
This give-and-take approach fosters employee confidence to both
follow the leader and to take risks. Leaders know that when employees
are empowered, motivation is higher, productivity escalates and
retention increases.
Leaders go the extra mile
One of the best things about leaders is their ability and willingness to
prepare a group for the tasks at hand. If colleagues are not prepared
for certain duties, leaders must be there to support, teach and back
them up. Leaders know that each employee is on the team for a reason and
appreciates individual efforts.
A “boss” often tells employees to complete a task but may not fully
equip them for the work at hand; Too often in this scenario, employees
are afraid that if they fail at a project they’ll be subject to
reprimand or discharge. A leader is available to guide employees through
the process.
Communication is key when it comes to being a good leader. Leaders
listen to their team and actively seek their thoughts on critical
topics. Leaders share information, check in as needed and clearly
communicate expectations. A boss does not always share information or
empower the team.
A leader is willing to learn, but a boss already knows it all
A true leader is not too arrogant or embarrassed to learn from those
with less seniority or status. Leaders respect the skills and experience
colleagues – even junior level ones – bring to the table.
When necessary, a leader offers constructive criticism, where a boss
may focus on failures without seeing them as learning opportunities. A
boss limits the creative process and self-expression, killing innovation
and motivation. Inevitably, employees who fall under the management
style of a boss cease to care or try because they see no value in making
suggestions or questioning processes.
Even in stressful or busy times, leaders know that getting top
results from the team means being aware of, and sensitive to, what
employees have on their plates. Leaders recognize that their workers
are skilled and knowledgeable individuals who appreciate the opportunity
to express opinions and feelings in any discussion that might impact
work assignments. This approach generates better workforce performance
than just barking orders and assigning tasks without considering current
workloads or deadlines.
Take a good look at your management style – or that of your
leadership team – and the overall attitude of your staff. If it’s time
to make a change,
leadership training
is available to help. A few simple changes might make a world of
difference to employee morale, productivity and, inevitably, profits.
Floors By Tomorrow
Auth Rep of Empire Today
Sales Trainer
720-371-2000
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