The perfect working environment is one in which you are encouraged to use your initiative and find ways to solve issues. This is an environment where an employee can feel empowered to do their part; providing they do so whilst adhering to the values and objectives of the company. Unfortunately this type of environment is relatively rare; the following tips will help you, as a leader, to create this environment and empower your employees:
Communication is key
This is a two way street and it must be encouraged and re-enforced that ideas and opinions are valued. Communication is not just about passing information down to your employees; this is about providing them with a set of guidelines which will allow them to put any ideas or thoughts they have to you. It is important to consider them and, if not using them; to acknowledge the idea. Any business which is open to communication from the employees upwards may be surprised at how many good ideas will appear. A big factor in this is that these employees are involved in the day to day tasks which keep the company running; they are in the best position to evaluate and improve these procedures.
Rewards
The best employees are those which feel there are opportunities available; both to improve themselves as individuals and for the sake of the business. Money and the idea of promotion is not usually enough to achieve the best results. Help your staff by giving them management and personal training.
Encourage new ventures
The company is likely to flourish if you utilize the creative nature of your employee. Rather than restricting them by correcting them before they make a mistake, find a way for them to instigate their new idea and safely monitor it with controlled milestones. An employee who is not afraid of the consequences of failing will be more inclined to try new things. Of course, in order to ensure the company profitability is not damaged by a failure it is essential to start with small projects and build up to larger ones.
Information
All too often the manager or leader keeps all the information they have to themselves. This does not help your employees to understand the company values or direction. Instead, share your vision, direction and goal. If you employees understand what and how you run the business, they will be able to think for themselves; no matter what decision they are faced with.
Roles
People tend to work better and harder when they have a defined role, responsibility and are even held accountable for their actions. Creating a role for each employee allows them to understand what needs to be done and to do it to the best of their ability; without stepping on other people’s toes! In conjunction with this all employees should know that they are accountable for their actions. It is important to decide a policy for accountability and stick to it for everyone.
Offer support
Some people are happy to become part of the pack and be led. Others seek out opportunities and want to lead people and improve productivity as well as the quality of the work environment. Support those who wish to rise to a new challenge; they will become better people and leaders whilst remaining loyal to you.
Be their role model
Be a role model to your employees by getting involved. Speak to a weekly basis and show them a softer side of you; a side they haven’t seen before. Many leaders can’t speak in public. The inability to hold a speech in front of other people is a sign of weakness. Watch how conference speakers do it, and “steal” their tricks. Make your presentation personal. Share something unique about yourself and your employees will relate to your story.
It is incredibly important for all your employees to feel appreciated. The more they feel you are aware of their efforts and appreciate the work they do the harder they will work and the more satisfied they be. Appreciation can be shown in a variety of ways; a financial reward is often appreciated but is not necessarily required. Most people will be happy with a public thank you; even if they appear embarrassed, they will be grateful for the recognition. This is often enough to make any employee work harder and more efficiently!
Communication is key
This is a two way street and it must be encouraged and re-enforced that ideas and opinions are valued. Communication is not just about passing information down to your employees; this is about providing them with a set of guidelines which will allow them to put any ideas or thoughts they have to you. It is important to consider them and, if not using them; to acknowledge the idea. Any business which is open to communication from the employees upwards may be surprised at how many good ideas will appear. A big factor in this is that these employees are involved in the day to day tasks which keep the company running; they are in the best position to evaluate and improve these procedures.
Rewards
The best employees are those which feel there are opportunities available; both to improve themselves as individuals and for the sake of the business. Money and the idea of promotion is not usually enough to achieve the best results. Help your staff by giving them management and personal training.
Encourage new ventures
The company is likely to flourish if you utilize the creative nature of your employee. Rather than restricting them by correcting them before they make a mistake, find a way for them to instigate their new idea and safely monitor it with controlled milestones. An employee who is not afraid of the consequences of failing will be more inclined to try new things. Of course, in order to ensure the company profitability is not damaged by a failure it is essential to start with small projects and build up to larger ones.
Information
All too often the manager or leader keeps all the information they have to themselves. This does not help your employees to understand the company values or direction. Instead, share your vision, direction and goal. If you employees understand what and how you run the business, they will be able to think for themselves; no matter what decision they are faced with.
Roles
People tend to work better and harder when they have a defined role, responsibility and are even held accountable for their actions. Creating a role for each employee allows them to understand what needs to be done and to do it to the best of their ability; without stepping on other people’s toes! In conjunction with this all employees should know that they are accountable for their actions. It is important to decide a policy for accountability and stick to it for everyone.
Offer support
Some people are happy to become part of the pack and be led. Others seek out opportunities and want to lead people and improve productivity as well as the quality of the work environment. Support those who wish to rise to a new challenge; they will become better people and leaders whilst remaining loyal to you.
Be their role model
Be a role model to your employees by getting involved. Speak to a weekly basis and show them a softer side of you; a side they haven’t seen before. Many leaders can’t speak in public. The inability to hold a speech in front of other people is a sign of weakness. Watch how conference speakers do it, and “steal” their tricks. Make your presentation personal. Share something unique about yourself and your employees will relate to your story.
It is incredibly important for all your employees to feel appreciated. The more they feel you are aware of their efforts and appreciate the work they do the harder they will work and the more satisfied they be. Appreciation can be shown in a variety of ways; a financial reward is often appreciated but is not necessarily required. Most people will be happy with a public thank you; even if they appear embarrassed, they will be grateful for the recognition. This is often enough to make any employee work harder and more efficiently!