In business, there’s no need to fall into David Brent levels of desperation to be popular. Nonetheless, being liked and respected as a boss or manager is important. It gives employees another incentive to work and, crucially, cultivates an atmosphere of trust. Productivity and profitability can both see improvements as a direct result of this. In short, that likeability factor should be a priority for HR managers, team leaders, and CEOs alike.
Human qualities are often overlooked in business. Not least because a growing number of interactions take place through digital channels. In truth, your personality traits set the tone for your entire team. Show employees that their voices are heard. If you fall into the trap of always thinking that you are right, team members will soon become less responsive. And less likely to mention issues that may occur.
Besides, the company hired candidates for their specialised skills and experience. Suffocating that with a “my way or the highway” approach can be very damaging to team harmony. Finding the right balance between showing authority but embracing teamwork is key.
Team unity can be encouraged in and out of the workplace. Allowing colleagues to build good friendships and respectful professional links will aid collaborations. Meanwhile, team away days and staff social outings can work wonders. It’s a chance to show your personality and to find common ground that resonates with individual employees.
On a side note, checking out their social media habits will quickly show whether they are passionate about sport, cars, fashion, etc. Use this insight to your advantage.
Workers are only human and they want to work with people who share similar views. While creating a diverse workforce is vital, you should actively look for issues that can bring you closer together. Social responsibility is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. From adopting green energy to supporting fair trade, those steps tell employees a lot about you. Again, that ability to relate with you on a personal level is key.
When added to the personal satisfaction gained from these ideas, along with the fact it influences client mindsets, you’d be a fool to miss out.
Employees spend 40 hours (or more) at work, so keeping them engaged is vital too. If they are bored, motivation and morale will soon fade. Utilising advanced tech is a great option. When you make QR code links to applications or key content, it shows that the company is a forward-thinking venture. When coupled with advanced software that takes care of their most boring tasks, the effort will not go unappreciated.
Ultimately, when you go the extra mile for your team, they will respond in kind. Whether working in HR or as the business owner, a winning approach combined with utilising the right tools will serve you well.
The harsh reality is that nothing you do will lead to 100% acceptance from the team. Similarly, in your senior role, there will be times where you have to disappoint or frustrate employees. Still, if you have their respect and understanding, it produces much better results for business.
HR Future Staff Writer, UK
Pic credit: Pixabay CC0 License
