11 Tips for Being an Engaged Manager
What does being an “engaged” leader or manager really mean? In the same way that an engaged employee has an emotional commitment to the goals and objectives of a company, an engaged leader has that same emotional commitment to the goals and objectives of the company AND to the wellbeing and success of their employees.
Engaged managers or leaders…
1. Trust their employees.
Trust is the foundation of a boss to employee relationship. If they can’t trust you, and you don’t trust them – you’ll be doomed in achieving what you want.
2. Are consistent in their communication with their employees.
Good bosses aren’t wishy-washy.
3. Encourage their employees to take the lead (when appropriate).
A good leader is supposed to grow their team. A great leader tries to groom and employee to replace their own role.
4. Ask their employees to weigh in on important business decisions.
Allowing employees to share decision-making makes them more engaged in the outcomes of those decisions.
5. Treat each of their employees as a source of insight and knowledge into their business.
Because they work directly with customers, front-line employees have insights that leadership may not be aware of.
6. Make sure their employees have everything they need to be successful (the right tools, the right training, the right resources).
How in the world do we expect anyone to do well without setting them up or success?
7. Clearly and regularly communicate expectations to their employees.
Good employees want to know where the level of standards are. Great employees plan to exceed those standards. By communicating expectations you help your employees perform better.
8. Show an interest in the overall well-being of their employees.
Not caring for employees means you don’t care about your business. Employees are the most important part of your business – even more than your products and services.
9. Give feedback and guidance where needed.
A good leader leads. Help to provide direction and next steps.
10. Are open to receiving feedback and guidance from their employees on how they are doing as a manager.
A good leaders listens to learn how they may improve – especially understanding the specific needs of individual employees.
11. Reward and recognize good behavior and effort.
While reprimanding employees demonstrates what NOT to do, rewarding reinforces the right way to do things. It is much more fun for everyone to learn from the positive vs. the negative.
Are you an engaged leader? How do you make sure your employees feel engaged?
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