From Forum News Service
A recent editorial from Minnesota newspapers.
Bosses: Follow these seven habits to success
ALEXANDRIA - This editorial sparked from a newsletter distributed by the employment service, Pro Staff. It offers advice on how to be a more likable boss.
If you’re a boss and think such advice is too warm and fuzzy, consider this: According to recent research, 86 percent of employees believe that if they like their boss they are more productive.
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If you’re an employee who has a rocky work relationship with a boss, maybe it’s time to have a good talk to clear the air.
Here, according to Pro Staff, are the “Seven Habits of Remarkably Likable Bosses.”
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 likability 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. ...
2. Be available. Some pretty amazing ideas come from front-line employees, but if the higher-ups aren’t approachable by employees, most of these ideas will never surface. ...
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 other people make mistakes. Offer second chances whenever possible.
4. Be positive. Just as negative energy can rub off on others, so can positive energy. ... Positive emotions help your employees open up to a universe of new options and alternatives.
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. ...
6. Be grateful. Everyone wants to know how they are doing, so give feedback. Praise is just as important as criticism, and you should regularly compliment your people for a job well done.
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7. Be compassionate. Try to see yourself through your employees’ eyes. Are you someone you’d like? Put yourself in your employees’ shoes and have compassion for their trials and tribulations as well as their accomplishments and victories. Your people will respect you as a leader, and they will find you more likable – increasing their loyalty and effectiveness as a result.
- Alexandria Echo Press
