There is an idea in the business world that leaders and managers are polar opposites. Business owners prefer to be seen as a leader rather than a manager by their employees – but is that right?
In the mind of workers, managers are no-nonsense people of authority. Their goal is to ensure that employees meet expectations, and projects go as planned. Their focus is on the present and maintaining the status quo. Managers are there to give directions, to tell people what to do, to reject changes in routine.
Understandably, modern business owners don’t want to have this sort of perception attached to them. It’s too negative and intimidating to foster any kind of positive company culture, and you want positive company culture. It’s the key to success in the current business climate.
Owners and entrepreneurs would much rather be seen as leaders. Innovative, forward-thinking, problem-solving, and a model for ideal company behavior are traits of good leadership. Leaders are attentive to their employees’ needs, show them how to complete tasks, and work to enhance inherent strengths in their teams. That all sounds much better, doesn’t it?
The truth is, both managerial and leadership style is crucial. Business owners cannot always be looking to the future, because things in the present need doing. They cannot always be telling people what to do without first showing them how to do it. By prioritizing one over the other, the necessary parts of the other are lost. Business owners must maintain a balance between the two, but that doesn’t mean you have to go full manager.
Changes are simple once you’re looking to make them. It has a lot to do with mindset and implementing the switch between a manager’s attitude and that of a leader. Asking questions, being motivational, and creating change are some key aspects of being a leader!
There are several ways to start doing these things in the office. Actively socializing with staff is the perfect place to begin. Ask what project they’re working on, how they’re finding it, or what they might need from you to do the job well. If there’s something several people think might improve the workplace, do your best to make it happen. Encouragement and praise for past work go a long way, too.
Those skills are easily translatable to online management, too. Virtual Assistants and digital workers are a core part of any team they are on. Ensuring that they are involved and valued is critical, to guarantee they don’t feel second to in-house employees. Remember that employee happiness influences output – so the more comfortable the employee, the better content they will deliver.
However, to ensure your managerial duties do not overshadow your leadership qualities, establish a culture of trust in the workplace. Paying attention to the people you work with helps them develop, especially as a team. Let your employees know you believe in them and their abilities, then show them you mean it. Remember, only bad managers micromanage.
Perhaps, consider implementing some employee engagement strategies! A little office revamp, or taking a direct interest in your employees’ lives both in and out of the office will do wonders.
Feel free to contact us at Hippo Business Services!
