6 Ways To Be A Better Boss
Info paraphrased from Entrepreneur.com
It pays to be nice and people appreciate it when they are treated with respect, dignity, and kindness. Often in business, being nice is overlooked or deemed as weak but it is incredibly important. Finding the balance between being authentic and the head of a business are tricky but here are 6 ways to be a better boss that may help.
1. Don’t try to be the ‘cool’ boss
Don’t try to be the flashiest or the most authoritative on your team. Instead work on being the first one in and the last one out, the one who has the utmost enthusiasm and the one who leads. Worry about the business and not being friends with everyone that you employ.
2. Your workforce is not your family
Your teammates / employees may be close and may be close friends even, however this doesn’t mean they are family so don’t meddle this differentiation. Create a solid culture with your team but keep it at that.
3. Embrace criticism
Taking criticism can be hard for anyone but also can be super difficult for the boss. It helps to create a system that allows well-meaning employees the ability to voice criticism in a healthy and non-threatening fashion.
4. Don’t be a target
Make sure you are around enough so that people can find things they like about you but don’t stay around too long whereby they can find things to dislike about you. Share good news about the company, new improvements, etc and answer a few questions when necessary. Regulate your interactions and be aware of the tone of your interactions.
5. Give out free perks
Giving out unique freebies that people will remember is a great way to build loyalty and just make your people happy. Be a source of joy and generosity.
6. Ask for small favors
People enjoy being needed. Ask your employees to do something small enough that they feel appreciated but not used. Give them a task that will make them feel appreciated and show their expertise.
Some of these are no-brainers however it is good to be reminded of the little things that can go a long way in helping your business.