1.Talk to your employees
Ask simple questions like, ‘how are you?’. It doesn’t take much to be nice
to people. As the owner of the business, you’re busy. But if an employee has an
issue, then it’s your issue too, so make sure that you take the time to
listen.
2. Say ‘thank you’
There are so many times when a pay rise or a reward is not seen as important
as the boss saying ‘thank you’ for a job well done. People do like money and
tangible rewards like a weekend away or a dinner for two. However, these
tangible rewards aren’t always expected – but people always like to hear a
‘thank you’ for a job well done. Always make sure that you acknowledge a job
well done.
3. Don’t give them the cold shoulder
You’re the owner of the business and your priorities and stresses are often
quite different to your employees. You might feel that you’re carrying all the
burden and stress but in reality that’s not always the case. Your staff could
be on the frontline taking complaints or dealing with difficult customers. If
they come to you for support or advice then show empathy.
4. Learn to delegate
As your business grows and you take on more people, you will have to
delegate some jobs that you could like or be attached to. But if you want to
grow and prosper, then letting go is important.
The best thing is when your staff member does a job previously done by you
either equally as well or even better. Always remember to make a person feel
important when they achieve things in your business.
5. Give them room to grow
Let your staff know that you believe in them and their ability. Make sure
that you acknowledge an employee’s strengths and always encourage them to play
to them. If you want to keep staff you are going to have to offer them
opportunities to develop their skills.
Most people seek professional development and some small businesses worry
that if they train people they will leave and the business has lost money.
That’s true to a certain extent and you do run the risk of training them and
they go elsewhere. But if you don’t train them and they stay, they could be
under-skilled in their jobs and this will impact on your business. After all,
just as a chain is only as strong as it’s weakest link, your business is only
as strong as your weakest employee.
6. Do business by the book
When a new person comes into your business make sure they are given specific
instructions about all aspects of their job. This framework gives them the
confidence to perform and helps them settle in a lot easier.
7. And, finally, learn to listen
Your employees could have valuable ideas that could contribute to
innovations in your organisation that could lead to bottom line improvements.
Ask for input when decisions are being made. And be sure to reward them if one
of their innovative ideas has benefits in your business.
So that’s the seven secrets to leadership. Hopefully you are now inspired to
get out there and inspire. Always remember to recognise that every employee in
your business has the potential to lift their game and the ability to do this
comes down to confidence. For staff to have a good attitude and to improve
their skills, they must have confidence in themselves. More importantly they
must have confidence in you.
