Managing differently

If you would like to manage differently and look for new ways to inspire your employees to work hard and become more productive, it will begin with your ability to communicate. You may hear it all the time but communication really is they key to a successful working environment. Look back over some of your previous jobs and you will be able to dismantle the jobs that had poor communication from the ones that had great communication and you felt needed by your employer. To help you learn how to manage differently, here are some tips:

Tip # 1 - Talk and listen
So what is communication? It all comes down to your ability to talk to your employees and to listen to them. How well are you able to give directions to your staff members and are they really understanding what you are saying? Do you really listen to them when they walk in your office and express their concerns?Let's start with talking. When you give instructions to your employees, how do you do it? Are you barking orders at them or are you setting goals with them? Giving them some ground rules will let them know what your expectations are and setting up a roadmap will help them achieve these goals easier. Now moving onto listening to your employees. When they come in your office, do you have an open door policy with them where you can discuss anything and everything? As a manager, you need to be open to listening to a few personal problems of your employees. This will show them compassion, but let them know that you are not here to be their personal shrink. Always keep your door open so they can come in and talk about the goals you have set for them and encourage them to work hard to achieve those goals with a few pointers. As you listen to them, make sure you are not being distracted with phone calls, emails, and text messages. Show your employees respect through eye contact, and non-verbal communication that lets them know you are interested.

Tip # 2 - Keep your employees in the loop
As you and your employees are working toward the same goals, it is your responsibility to keep your employees in the loop. Let them know what the sales numbers were over the past month and offer them advice on how they can do better. Encourage them to come with ideas on how the company can cut costs and look for ways to succeed. You want to keep your employees in the loop so they can look for ways on their own to think outside the box that will take the small business to the next level. Be prepared to listen to a few ideas that may seem a little ridiculous once and awhile but keep an open mind as your employees are just trying to help.

Tip # 3 - Be an example
Your employees will look up to you and it's important to be a leader. Look for ways to show them that you are committed to the company by arriving on time, limiting the amount of time you take off, and actually working hard when you are at the office. When a manager is too laid back and they slack off at work, your staff members will see this and they will start acting the same way. Be a manger that can have fun, but also knows how to work hard. Be a person that has integrity, trust, and respects everyone. These qualities are admired by many and your employees will follow you anywhere if you successfully portray them.