What Makes a good Boss?
According to Rob Sheehan, director of executive education at the James MacGregor Burns Academy of Leadership at the University of Maryland, "Being a good boss is important in any organization, but it's particularly important for small business. With smaller businesses, you really have the opportunity to set the tone for the entire company." There are several traits, traits, and attitudes that appear to be prevalent among executives that are seen as "good bosses" by their employees. These include:
* Including all levels of workers in decision making
* Concentrating on the company's mission, not only its ability to make income
* Demonstrating the value of learning new skills
* Encouraging workers to advance their careers
* Setting an example of a positive attitude and work ethic
Assigning Responsibilities
The organization of your small business will be determined by your determination of who should be doing what and when - to put it differently, assigning tasks and responsibilities to your employees. At the center of any organization are its individuals and those people need to know what is expected of them in order to perform satisfactorily. Usually a small business will begin with a few (perhaps even one) person(s) performing all of the day-to-day functions. Nevertheless, as the business grows it will be necessary to employ others to perform particular roles within the firm. As a manager, you will be required to recognize when new needs emerge and to employ the right personnel to address these needs.
Business Teams
You should not be the only one accountable for the success of your small business. The ultimate in organization is the formation of a business team that allows you to delegate authority and, as a result, increase productivity. Your business team ought to consist of those employees who're in command of the major functions of your organization
. To be efficient, a business team must have a leader that is revered by all of the team members. In return, the leader must respect all of the member's individual abilities. A team spirit ought to be evident as each member uses his or her strengths to pay for the weaknesses of others.
Errors in the workplace ought to outcome in correction not retribution. Each member of a team should understand their own significance to the business and feel free to discover other locations of activity.
Communication
Tips for Employers
A 2001 study analyzing 20,000 exit interviews revealed that the most common reason that individuals leave a job situation is poor supervision - essentially, they'd a bad boss. Most likely the biggest factor contributing to the perception of poor leadership seemed to be poor communication skills. How can you as an employer improve your communication with your workers? Try out a few of the following ideas:
1) Listen. Actually pay attention to what your employees are saying. As simple as this sounds, try this exercise; Tape a conversation then after you have finished communicating, try typing as much as you can of what the other person said. When you are finished, play the tape whilst reading your notes. See how accurate you're listening and memory is.
2) Designate specific times to meet with your employees one-on-one at least twice per month. Not allowing disruptions during these meetings will convey to them that they have your undivided attention and that you value their input.
3) When changes are likely to have to be made in the workplace, let those affected know as soon as possible. Inform them personally and do not let them find out through the grapevine.
4) Let your employees know what you stand for. When they are aware of your value system, they will be able to make better choices, or at least decisions that will be more pleasing to you.
5) Let your employees know how they are doing on a regular basis. Don't allow an employee find out they are not doing up to your standards at their annual performance review.
6) Improve your public speaking skills. Your credibility with your employees is directly tied to your ability to convey information to them effectively.
7) Don't use e-mail to do your dirty work. Whenever a situation entails strong emotions, it ought to be handled in person.
* Including all levels of workers in decision making
* Concentrating on the company's mission, not only its ability to make income
* Demonstrating the value of learning new skills
* Encouraging workers to advance their careers
* Setting an example of a positive attitude and work ethic
Assigning Responsibilities
The organization of your small business will be determined by your determination of who should be doing what and when - to put it differently, assigning tasks and responsibilities to your employees. At the center of any organization are its individuals and those people need to know what is expected of them in order to perform satisfactorily. Usually a small business will begin with a few (perhaps even one) person(s) performing all of the day-to-day functions. Nevertheless, as the business grows it will be necessary to employ others to perform particular roles within the firm. As a manager, you will be required to recognize when new needs emerge and to employ the right personnel to address these needs.
Business Teams
You should not be the only one accountable for the success of your small business. The ultimate in organization is the formation of a business team that allows you to delegate authority and, as a result, increase productivity. Your business team ought to consist of those employees who're in command of the major functions of your organization
. To be efficient, a business team must have a leader that is revered by all of the team members. In return, the leader must respect all of the member's individual abilities. A team spirit ought to be evident as each member uses his or her strengths to pay for the weaknesses of others.
Errors in the workplace ought to outcome in correction not retribution. Each member of a team should understand their own significance to the business and feel free to discover other locations of activity.
Communication
Tips for Employers
A 2001 study analyzing 20,000 exit interviews revealed that the most common reason that individuals leave a job situation is poor supervision - essentially, they'd a bad boss. Most likely the biggest factor contributing to the perception of poor leadership seemed to be poor communication skills. How can you as an employer improve your communication with your workers? Try out a few of the following ideas:
1) Listen. Actually pay attention to what your employees are saying. As simple as this sounds, try this exercise; Tape a conversation then after you have finished communicating, try typing as much as you can of what the other person said. When you are finished, play the tape whilst reading your notes. See how accurate you're listening and memory is.
2) Designate specific times to meet with your employees one-on-one at least twice per month. Not allowing disruptions during these meetings will convey to them that they have your undivided attention and that you value their input.
3) When changes are likely to have to be made in the workplace, let those affected know as soon as possible. Inform them personally and do not let them find out through the grapevine.
4) Let your employees know what you stand for. When they are aware of your value system, they will be able to make better choices, or at least decisions that will be more pleasing to you.
5) Let your employees know how they are doing on a regular basis. Don't allow an employee find out they are not doing up to your standards at their annual performance review.
6) Improve your public speaking skills. Your credibility with your employees is directly tied to your ability to convey information to them effectively.
7) Don't use e-mail to do your dirty work. Whenever a situation entails strong emotions, it ought to be handled in person.
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