Think back to the best boss you ever had. What was it about that boss that set them apart from others? Perhaps they were understanding when it came to personal matters or they might have been the first ones to praise you for a job well done. It might have been their willingness to help you when you needed it or the fact that they trusted you to do the job on your own. What all of these things have in common is that all of these actions are examples of a boss who was a “giver” and not a “taker.” Rather than taking away your pay if you had to miss work, they were understanding and gave you flexibility. Instead of taking your questions as a sign of weakness, they gave their time to help you. Instead of taking your work for granted, they gave you praise and feedback. While there are countless qualities that make up a great manager, it is obvious that the best managers are those who give more than they take. Here are a few tips for how you can become a manager that is a “giver.”
Give Your Employees a Challenge
One of the most valuable skills you can give your employees is a good challenge. When you give them a new task or project to take on, you are showing them that you trust them and believe in them. Even if the employee needs a little guidance along the way, they will appreciate the fact that you entrusted this project to them and it will motivate them to work harder. Employees want to work for a manager who believes in them.
Give Them Freedom to Work
There is nothing worse than a micromanager who stands over your shoulder and watches everything you do. They feel the need to tell you exactly what to do and how to do it. This is one of the fastest ways to push employees away. On the other hand, a manager who gives their employees the freedom to work on their own will likely find that their employees are diligent and productive. When managers give their employees freedom to be creative, they open up doors and invite new and innovative ideas. After all, the manager hired these employees because they felt they were right for the job. Why not let them actually do their jobs?
Give Feedback and Advice
Managers can be quick to take away work tasks if they aren’t being done properly but how often do these same managers actually offer feedback or advice along the way? The best managers are those who give feedback and advice on a regular basis. Employees want to know how they are doing and they are usually open to suggestions and advice. It is up to the manager to check in regularly and provide feedback on their employees’ performance. Employees will appreciate the manager’s willingness to help them and the lines of communication will foster a better working relationship.
Give Opportunities to Grow
A manager’s job goes beyond making sure daily tasks are complete. A manager is responsible for shaping the professional growth of their team. Great managers give their employees plenty of opportunities to further their skills through professional development and learning programs.
Give Praise and Recognition
A pat on the back goes a long way when it comes to employee engagement. Managers who give regular praise and recognition to their employees will create a work culture where employees feel valued and appreciated. In turn, employees will be more motivated to work harder and reach their full potential.