Getting It Together

A big fear we face as managers is being unable to effectively lead our people. Our employees represent the business. They are the face of the enterprise, whatever it may be. And if they are not tightly knit, share a core of values and standards, and respect you as a person, and manager then you will not get the results you want.

So How Do I Do It?

I care. I sincerely give a smeg. That does not mean I get involved in their personal lives. But if they have concerns, and sometimes you have to coax it out of them, then I honestly have a place in my heart and mind for their concerns to be heard, and acted upon to the extent of my authority.

We hold meetings once or twice per month to realign ourselves with the values of the business, and with the expectations that we share. At these meetings I go over pertinent items like encouraging my staff to take ownership, communicate with me, pay attention to my orders and execute them with precision. Then I come back with some follow up on what they expect from me.

Expect From Me?

That's right. They expect things from me. And I comply. Our March meeting revealed that I had been missing things from stripping the rooms. I was missing bits of garbage, and more specifically - used soaps. For the last three weeks I have been focusing on getting all used soap out of the room to let my staff know that I respect their desires, and want their experiences here to be positive. Few things are more rankling than a "know-it-all" boss who knows nothing, and does not care to know anything.

That creates a hostile, unfriendly, and contentious work environment. If that were the environment here at the TJ I would be through my eighth set of maids rather than still employing my first.

Leadership Style

I believe success lies in doing your best. You honestly cannot exceed your best, but your best can be improved by continually exercising your . . . well . . . best. These phrases continually run through my mind; "Action speaks louder than words" and "Lead by example."

Great. Strong words. What do they mean? Do you have to outwork your employees? Show them who's boss? Sure, but only if you want to retire early and go on disability. Rather be who you want your employees to be, and respectfully show them how to get there. Do not be afraid to be the hypocrite, so long as you fake it UNTIL you make it. Once you've made it you will be able to look back and realize you actually did what was necessary to change.

The most difficult thing about leading by example is showing patience in the face of genuine ignorance.

Communicate!

This cannot be stressed enough. Your common sense, your thoughts, and your way of doing things are not instantly communicable to your employees. Worse still, when you tell them your thoughts and your way of doing things those words often get lost within the first day. They clock in the next day and get back into the routine. If you really want to shake them up be consistent, like a kindergarten school teacher who has to tell their kids several times daily what sound 'A' makes.

It's how we learn. Repetition, and clear communication creates new knowledge, and new ways of doing things. If you follow your telling with a hefty amount of showing, they are sure to remember it eventually!

Be A Friendly Professional

Be approachable. Be disarming. Smile a lot, and make sure that smile reaches your eyes. If it's on your lips, but not in your eyes there is something reptilian about that smile that will instigate fear, and inspire avoidance. Don't let that happen to you. One of the greatest things you can do as a manager is grow, and challenge yourself.

Think of this; you are in a stressful situation, like you are every day, only slightly worse. Now instead of getting worked up take a moment to breathe, and then challenge yourself. This is a great way to grow. Challenge yourself to react differently. Challenge yourself to complete the task or tasks better than you've done before. Not only will you get more growth out of it, but you will achieve that rare, and enviable feeling of self-confidence!

The more hard things you can do, and do well, the more confidence you will achieve. It's a great way to move up, and move on with your career, and inspire people along the way.

After All . . .

In the end it isn't so much about how much money you made, it's about the lives you touched. It's about the businesses you made better. It's about the customer, and the employee. It's about you and your growth. And the best way to grow is to serve. Serve with your mind, serve with your heart, and serve with your energy and you will experience more satisfaction than you ever have at your job. Do the hard things. Learn to enjoy them. The fruits you wield can only get better, and you can only grow more.

Do it!