We’ve probably all heard the saying “anyone can be a manager, but not everyone can be a leader”. How much can a managers leadership skills impact the workplace and it’s employees? Can a lack of leadership actually be detrimental to a businesses overalls success? The short answer, is yes.
While there are many contributing factors that play into the success, or failure, of a business, a manager’s leadership skills (or lack thereof), can directly affect a business’ internal workflow. Specifically, poor leadership skills can cause a significant negative impact on an organization’s employees. Employees, according to business experts, are a foundational part of a company’s success; positive leadership skills are built around the philosophy of putting the employees needs first.
Here are 5 Beneficial Leadership Tips to Improve the Workplace
Keep an Open Line of Communication
Being in a management or leadership role, means that you will more than likely have a team of people that are reporting to you. With that, it is imperative that an open line of communication is kept throughout your workplace; whether it is in a one on one or full-staff setting. Additionally, the other side of communication is listening. You’ll want to make sure you’re really listening to your employees, and that they are aware of it. Make sure you are regularly available to your employees as best as you can be; open-door policies are a best practice in letting your employees know you are there to help them.
Manage From the Bottom-Up
The typical organizational structure pyramid is designed with a top-down approach; setting CEO’s and C-Level Executives at the top, and regular employees at the bottom. Experts are now stating that positive leadership is built off of an inverted structure, setting employees and their needs as a top priority. This new structure is now known as the bottom-up approach; and according to an article by Marcel Schwantes, Ajeet Singh, CEO and Co Founder of ThoughtSpot, stated “I practice the inverted pyramid concept all the time. In my one on ones with my direct reports, I focus the conversation on areas they need help, not on what I need them to do, and then figure out how I can actively contribute to solving the issues facing them,”.
Motivation is Key
Motivating your employees is an important key factor in maintaining a positive employee morale. It is important for leaders to not only delegate work to an employee, but inspire and motivate staff for best results. A leader can motivate staff in multiple ways, from always providing recognition of good work, to working closely with an employee on a project, signifying your investment in the process as well.
Be Trustworthy
It’s not unheard of for employees to feel uncomfortable bringing an issue or a topic to the table. The workplace is a setting where we spend a majority of our time; often times, we spend more time with coworkers than family. In lieu of this, making sure your employees know they can confide and trust in you, is an important key to the foundations of positive leadership. Tie this into the open-door policy mentioned earlier. Let your employees know they are able to come to you with any concerns or issues, and that if they do, it will be strictly confidential.
Acknowledge and Engage With Your Staff
There’s one thing that really sets leaders apart from regular managers; that is, how they engage with and acknowledge their staff. Do your best to interact and engage in what is going on with your employees. If a staff member has an important project or account they are working on, offer your assistance, and discuss with them what their plans are. Engagement doesn’t end with internal work, however. It is just as important to know your employees, and that means knowing about who they are, outside of work.
Leadership goes far beyond the concept of just being in charge of a team of people. Positive leaders take extra steps to separate themselves from the stand alone “management” title. Follow these steps to improve your leadership skills and over all workplace environment.
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