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Last Updated on October 19, 2015 by Work In My Pajamas
It can be intimidating to realize that people are going to come to you for answers, and that is why you need to establish yourself as a strong leader and surround yourself with a great team. If you have recently transitioned into your first management role, then you might want to look at these actionable steps that will inspire those around you.
Start With Humility
Many people believe that the difference between a leader and a boss is a little bit of humility. Leaders must be able to acknowledge when they do not know something, acknowledge when they have made a mistake, and give credit to their team when they deserve it. Without this quality, few people will be able to earn the respect of their subordinates.
Listen Actively
The ability to actively listen is one of the most important traits for an employee, and this includes managers and team leaders. In addition to giving orders, managers must learn how to actively listen so that their team feels as if they are being valued by their superior.
Don’t Get Pulled into Petty Squabbles
Those that have been promoted from within will often still have friends and colleagues that they interact with every day, and this makes it quite easy to get pulled into petty squabbles. Managers that get involved in unnecessary drama will quickly lose the respect of those around them. Arguments between employees must be handled quickly, professionally, and fairly.
Act on Feedback
If an employee takes the time to give you feedback of any kind, then you must acknowledge it. A staff member might say that the office has become dirty or cluttered, and this means that manager needs to act on it and start bringing in supplies from companies such as Shoplet.com. What seems unimportant to a manager could make all the difference with employee satisfaction.
Reward Publicly, Punish Privately
An effective leader must learn how to reward and punish their employees properly. Rewards can be as little as a telling a team that they have done a good job, and this should always be done in front of others. Punishments should be fair, clear as to why they are happening, and carried out behind closed doors.
When it comes down to it, many of the qualities that make a great leader are also the qualities that make a great follower. World-class managers are there to lead by example, listen to feedback, and always find ways to improve themselves.
