7 Habits of Remarkably Likeable Bosses
If
they like you, really like you, you will actually be a better boss. Here's how
to make that happen.
According
to recent research, 86 percent of employees believe that if they like their
boss they are more productive. So forget about cracking the whip. Instead,
build these seven habits into your leadership persona.
1. Be Friendly
Sounds
obvious, but simply taking a moment to greet your employees (by name!) and make
small talk with them goes a long way to increasing your likeability as a boss.
Be as approachable and accessible as possible. Take time to compliment
employees and ask them how their day is going. Be patient; remember that it's
important to set aside time for your people, no matter how busy you are. In
fact, that busyness-;yours and theirs-;makes a friendly word even more
important.
2. Be Available
Some
pretty amazing ideas come from front-line employees, but if the higher-ups
aren't approachable by employees most these ideas will never surface. Employees
are more likely to come to their bosses with ideas and potential solutions when
their bosses make it clear that they value their employees' opinions and want
to hear them. While not every idea is going to be a winner, it's very much in
your interest to hear people out. Showing employees that their opinions and
ideas are important to the company is a wonderful way to keep your team energized and happy--and boost your
likeability along the way.
3. Be Flexible
Life
happens, so try to be flexible whenever you can. Decide what rules you will
make exceptions for and avoid putting too much stress on the little things. Be
understanding when things go wrong, and accept that people make mistakes. Offer
second chances whenever possible. Make sure that the work gets done, but be
flexible when it comes to personal matters, weather, or traffic.
4. Be Positive
Just
as negative energy can rub off on others, so can positive energy. While
negative emotions on your part tend to create negative outcomes in both your
people and your organization, positive emotions help your employees open up to
a universe of new options and alternatives. Be optimistic and genuine with the people working
around you and they will be more likely to react in the same way, making the
workplace a healthy and constructive place to be.
5. Be Dependable
You
need to believe that your employees will get the job done, and they need to be
able to depend on you to support them in good times and bad. Don't make
promises you can't keep, no matter how small. Employees must be able to trust
you because their future is in your hands. Having a flaky boss will result in
unhappy and disengaged employees who would rather be working somewhere else.
6. Be Grateful
Everyone
wants to know how they are doing, so give feedback. Praise is just important as
criticism, and you should regularly complement your people for a job well done.
As human beings, we subconsciously seek praise in all aspects of our lives,
including the job. Show your appreciation in a variety of ways. Keep
it fresh and genuine.
7. Be
Compassionate
Try to see yourself through your
employees' eyes--are you someone you would like? Put yourself in your
employees' shoes and have compassion for their trials and tribulations as well
as their accomplishments and victories. Having (and showing) true compassion
for your employees may take effort on your part, but the results will be well
worth it. Your people will respect you as a leader, and they will find you more
likeable--increasing their loyalty and effectiveness as a result.
BY Peter Economy http://www.inc.com/peter-economy/7-habits-of-remarkably-likeable-bosses.html?cid=em01014week14e
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