During the first couple years of a company’s growth, it isn’t difficult for those in charge to work alongside employees in an engaging, motivated environment. This is because for most employees, completing tasks alongside owners, managers, and other team members fosters a personal connection, which can naturally motivate staff to meet even the most ambitious deadlines. However, as a company grows, its links between various departments and founders weaken, creating a gap in communication that diminishes success. Below are four tips to help cultivate better leadership in the workplace.
1. Be More Open and Willing To Listen
While it may seem prudent to direct rather than coach, constantly barking orders without taking the time to listen can be devastating for company morale. Rather than simply showing your presence long enough to convey your expectations, engage with your employees by asking them for feedback. By expressing your desire for whole-hearted participation through calm, thought-provoking questions, your employees will feel it and respond in turn.
2. Make Business and Employee Goals Reciprocal
When your positive leadership inspires employees to get more involved in their work, productivity will soar. This is because when employees feel as though the company’s success is also their own, they will feel greater pride in the work they do, eager for more opportunities to showcase their merits. By finding ways to link your employees’ personal goals with those of your business, you can find ways for them to improve both themselves and your enterprise.
3. Discover the Joy of Feedback Loops
Checking in with your employees only during annual reviews or when problems arise can make it more difficult for those involved to participate in discussions. Weekly or bi-weekly, one-on-one meetings with members of your staff can greatly increase your company’s likelihood of success. This is because you’ll be making meetings a part of your culture, promoting the positive aspects of intercommunication.
4. Create Peer-to-Peer Networks
Both formal and informal communications promote company morale. By making relationship building a priority, you can create a deeper sense of togetherness among your staff. Volunteer work, for example, builds and reveals skills and can be a great place to start.
While, at times, it can be emotionally draining to factor in the well-being of every member of your staff, doing so will showcase your leadership skills, not to mention boost morale. By utilizing just a few of these helpful tips, you’ll see employee engagement rise.
