Leadership: Role Models Wanted!

Are you a good role model? If you hold the position of manager your answer should be a resounding “yes.” Yet, just having a diploma on your wall won’t make you an effective leader. According to Investors In People, only 34 percent of employees see their manager as role model material. In fact, one in 20 workers accuse their managers of bad behavior including an inability to communicate with staff and even stealing worker’s ideas. In order to avoid being labeled as the stereotypical “manager menace” you’ll need to lead by example and treat those you manage as you’d like to be treated yourself.

The Characteristics Of A Great Leader
While some may say you need to be born a good leader, in reality it takes having and exhibiting the right characteristics. A good manager will walk the talk and lead a life of honesty and integrity. Show your workers how to conduct themselves in the office by dressing appropriately, being enthusiastic about your job and reaching out to motivate those around you. Avoid hidden agendas and be upfront with your co-workers at all times.

A good leader is also confident in themselves as a person and a role model. You should appear comfortable and competent in your role as manager and inspire confidence in those around you. To accomplish this you’ll need to know what is expected of you in your role as manager. You’ll also need to have a working knowledge of the duties of those who answer to you in order to answer their questions and address any concerns in an efficient manner.

Make Communication A Two Way Street
An effective manager has learned to hone their listening and communication skills. Mastering these two elements alone will have you operating heads and heels above many managers in the workforce. Encourage employees to give you honest feedback on projects and come to you with their own ideas. Any concerns that your workers have should be given thoughtful consideration, and efforts should be made for a quick and effective solution. When communicating ideas or instructions with others, you’ll do well to learn the communication preferences of your audience. Some workers respond well to short and precise directions while others respond better to a more personable banter. Adjust your style to meet theirs and you’ll find your ideas get across more efficiently.

Be Accountable For The Action Of You And Your Team
One of the cornerstone characteristics of a good leader is someone who takes responsibility for their actions and the actions of those who answer to you. If the work of your team comes up short you must first ask yourself if you did your own job properly in motivating and directing them. If the blame falls at your feet you must own up to it.

When members of your team come up short due to their own failings you’ll need to deal with the issue in a consistent and fair manner. Preferential treatment of any staff only breeds mistrust and hard feelings. On the other hand, if your team is being unjustly blamed for a shortcoming you’ll need to step up and defend your workers. Having your employees know that you’re in their corner will go a long way to creating trust between you and those under you.

Motivation Is Key
While every office will have their ups and downs, keeping a positive attitude in the workplace is paramount to happy and productive employees. As manager, you must first start with yourself. Avoid speaking negatively about your job, the office or other workers in front of the staff. When employees begin their own grumblings don’t let it continue. Negativity, left to fester, can result in a toxic work environment for all. Instead steer the conversation to a more positive tone and speak with any disgruntled workers alone in private to try and solve the underlying problems.

Promote Team Strategies
In order for a business to thrive it needs to have effective strategies in place for the future of the company and its employees. The best strategies are those that encourage each employee to evaluate their position within the company and anticipate their next move. Setting goals and searching for ways to improve their positions creates a proactive and innovative workforce. Let each employee become a master of their own role and you’ll reap the rewards.

Inspire your team by setting your own goals and strategies, both for your position and for the team, and enlist the help of your employees in reaching those goals. When each member of the team feels they are contributing it creates motivated workers that aspire to greater professional development. As manager, your job is to make sure each team member is aware of their own worth and the worth of their co-workers. A team that appreciates each other is more likely to help each other when the going gets rough and band together to reach their common goals.

Learning to be an effective leader is not something one masters overnight. It takes years of on the job training and self evaluation. It’s up to you to step up and be that role model for the next generation of managers after you. No one said the position of manager was easy, but with the right attitude and skills you can take pride in your own work and inspire the same in others.

Source:
www.thegoodmanager.com