Believe it or not, being a better boss is much more simple than you might think. Sometimes it’s as simple as valuing your employees. Whether your team has a new idea or someone just needs to vent, making space for their voice can go a long way. Even though you may depend on your employees to do their job—whether it’s unloading freight or building microchips—your employees need to feel valued.
It’s all about leading in a way that makes them want to show up because they’re inspired to come, not just because they have to. And while you may not be able to be the perfect boss, there are always ways to be a better one. Here are some practical ways to be a better boss and shift the entire energy of your workplace.
Listen
Nowadays, it seems like everybody’s so much more interested in speaking than they are in listening. However, listening, as well as speaking, is a critical part of a teamwork environment.
It’s crucial that you shut your mouth once in a while and listen to what your employees have to say. That doesn’t mean you have to necessarily like what they have to say or even agree with it, but listening gives people the space to be heard and valued. The more your employees feel like their voices and opinions are valued, the more likely they are to stick around.
Give Credit
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a boss is forgetting to acknowledge a job well done. All too often, bosses focus on what their team members have done wrong and forget to give credit where it’s due.
However, if you fail to give your team credit, then they won’t feel motivated to continue producing great work. When someone goes the extra mile, say something like “Great job!” The slightest compliment or encouragement can go a long way when it comes to getting your team to reach their full potential.
Be Relatable
A lot of bosses think that they have to behave more like a robot than a human. They don’t admit when they’re wrong, and they certainly don’t show any emotion. However, being a robot is hardly relatable!
Trying to be perfect all the time can make you feel distant and downright unrelatable. Instead, be someone your team can see as an ally. Admit when you don’t know something, and don’t be afraid to laugh at your own mistakes. You want to be the type of boss that your employees can talk to—not tiptoe around because they’re afraid of how you might react. Leadership is ultimately about trust, and people trust people who are authentic and relatable.
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