Since not many people are able to meet in person nowadays due to the current pandemic, we’d like to introduce ourselves virtually. We are theBLOQparq (tBp) and we are always thrilled to connect with entrepreneurs, small business owners, and passion pursuers. In our mission to set you up for success, the discussion of being a good boss must be had.
If small businesses want to compete with the larger ones, maintaining an efficient workforce and increasing levels of productivity are key. For this reason, retention rates must remain high to ensure the most talented individuals get the chance to make a positive impact. Fact: Employees join companies but leave managers.
A Gallup poll of more 1 million employed U.S. workers concluded that the No. 1 reason people quit their jobs is a bad boss or immediate supervisor.
Whether you are an entrepreneur whose brand has grown or someone who has worked their way up the corporate ladder, here are 5 things to keep in mind as you work to lead your team and your business to new heights.
1. Show appreciation whenever possible
This is number one for a reason. It is extremely important for people to feel both validated and valuable. Although constructive criticism must inevitably take place, it is much better received between consistent positive feedback and praise. When someone knows their work is appreciated, they willingly continue to put in the extra effort – that’s just human nature.
2. Set your employees up for success
Focus on providing realistic goals along with a strategic plan of how to accomplish them. If your mission is to run a marathon, you would want the proper nutrition, training, gear, etc. The same is true of your business aspirations. Have an understanding of where your brand stands currently, identify where you want it to be and provide your team with a roadmap to reach the end destination. Be sure to document and enjoy the journey along the way.
3. Instill confidence in your team’s abilities
Refrain from micromanaging and allow people to take ownership of the projects to which they’ve been assigned. Treating your employees like children sends the message that you don’t trust them to get the job done right on their own. Instead of telling everyone what to do, show them. Find opportunities to get in the trenches and work alongside your team, building the trust and sense of camaraderie.
4. Remember to look in the mirror
This is not where we tell you to be overly critical of yourself. Instead, we are simply recommending that you regularly re-evaluate your current process or strategies. This will allow you to explore different and better ways of doing things to yield better results personally and from your team.
“Leaders who don’t listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say.”
– Andy Stanley
It is also crucial to remove ego from the equation, keep an open mind and listen to suggestions from everyone (no matter their department or title). You will be amazed at how much your business and the work environment will improve.
5. Create a culture that inspires
According to a study conducted by Columbia researchers, company culture is basically a form of currency. People don’t just choose to work for a person; they choose to work for a place. Make sure you create a culture that embraces collaboration, inspires creativity, echoes sentiments of optimism, and allows everyone to feel they are working towards something greater than themselves. At the end of the day, don’t lose sight that fiscal success correlates with the fun factor.
A nearly unanimous majority — 90 percent — indicated a strong belief that the quality of a company’s culture is inextricably linked with its financial success as well as its perceived “value” in the world.
Source: Forbes
Speaking of culture…we can’t wait for you to experience the one we’ve worked to build at tBp. It is a forward thinking, micro-style community that will become the home for countless, exceptional bosses and their businesses. At tBp we don’t just talk; we most definitely walk the walk. Every step you take within this space is designed to take you one step closer to creating a legacy of your own.