Every once in awhile it’s good for managers to take a step back and examine their leadership style. This allows you to see what’s been effective for your workplace as well as what aspects you could improve on. While a boss is technically someone that supervises employees, this doesn’t necessarily make you a leader. Here are some things to think about to ensure that you’re not just being a boss but that you are truly leading your employees.
First off, have a look at how you interact with your employees. Do you just give out orders and expect them to be followed without listening to your employees’ input and ideas? This is something that a boss does but leaders actively avoid doing. Instead, leaders in the workplace seek out ways that they can listen to what the employees have to say. Do you make demands for projects, results, and reports instead of offering motivation to employees? In order to be an effective leader, you should encourage your team to reach common goals by connecting and engaging with your employees. Do you know that your employees are afraid to communicate with you? Leaders in the workplace forster a rapport with employees and remind their employees that they are valued and appreciated. Establishing a give-and-take approach encourages employees to trust their managers. Leaders know that having a good relationship with employees means that employees will be more motivated and productive.
Managers who are true leaders also aren’t afraid to go the extra mile. As a manager, you will come across situations when your colleagues or employees are not ready for certain tasks. If this is the case, you will need to take all your leadership skills and be there to back up, support, and teach your team. Leaders don’t leave their employees in the lurch if a task comes up that leaves them stumped or if they are already overwhelmed by other things. Managers shouldn’t be afraid to get their hands dirty every once in awhile and step in when the team needs help. Bosses will assign a task to their employees but will fail to equip them with the knowledge or tools that they need in order to successfully complete the task. As a result, employees will be afraid to mess up and face a scolding or worse. Leaders will guide their employees through the task and keep the lines of communication open, encouraging employees to come to them with any questions or concerns regarding the task.
Some may think that a manager is just a boss. But in a truly productive and enjoyable workplace, managers are leaders who listen to their teams, accept feedback, adjust their practices as needed, and communicate clearly and openly with employees. If you find yourself slipping into some of the habits that indicate a boss rather than a leader, don’t fret. There is always time to make improvements and by pushing yourself toward greater leadership, you will also be pushing your team to greater success.