It’s difficult enough to get high levels of productivity out of workers who are exhausted these days when you have a good relationship with these people. Now imagine how much more challenging this effort can be when you are the boss that everyone hates. Here’s what you can do to avoid becoming the worst boss that someone has ever had.
Don’t be a know it all. You may be a member of Mensa but that doesn’t make you the smartest person in the room. Solicit input from others, especially those who interact daily with clients and customers.
Treat people with respect. Yeah, yeah. We all know how important you are because you have the title. We also know you have the power to fire anyone at anytime. But that doesn’t give you the right to treat people as second-class citizens. Speak to staff members the way you would like to be spoken to and in turn, you’ll receive the respect you deserve.
Be honest. Don’t lie to people, especially when someone comes to you for advice on making a major purchase and you know next month they aren’t going to have a job. In situations like this, it’s best to discuss how in these tumultuous times, everyone should think twice before spending large sums of money.
Don’t be a yeller. We’ve all heard stories about the boss who screams all the time. Don’t be that guy. Even in times of stress, it’s important to maintain a calm respectful tone so that your people hear what you have to say and they don’t tune you out.
Admit mistakes. No one is perfect. Not even you. Admit to your people when you’ve made a mistake and apologize. And don’t be surprised when they do the same.
Advocate for your people. You’re all they’ve got. Do your best to represent your employees well, so they get the recognition and the rewards they deserve.
Don’t be a slave driver. Asking people to work nights or weekends during busy times is one thing. Doing this on a weekly basis is another. Monitor the workload and staff accordingly, to avoid being known as the manager who chains people to their desk all year long.