Leaders go to bat for their people. They don’t confuse project management with leadership. Projects are managed—people are led. Leaders lead people. It’s that simple. And it’s that complicated. To lead people, one must care about people. To care about people you have to know people. Do you know your people?
3 Ways Leaders Go to Bat for their People
Listen to your people
Hold discussion meetings. Meet one on one. Conduct employment improvement surveys. Ask for advice. And most of all—listen. Why not take a few minutes every day to casually wander your business and talk to folks? You never know what you may learn, who you might help, and how it can positively affect your organization—until you take the time to stop, talk, listen, and share.
Take action
Listen and learn what your employees need to improve their jobs, to make their lives better, and then implement actions to help. For example, an organization asked me to help with their production departments morale. It seems the attitudes of the personal had changed from good to uncaring, even angry. I sat down one-on-one and surveyed the team. I asked them where they needed help, what additional training would be good, and what tools or equipment needed updated. Several members of the team shared the need for tool replacement. The business replaced the tools. The cost of the tools may not show an immediate ROI, but rest assured the increased efficiency of functioning tools, as well as the boost in morale, will pay for the expenditure in the long run. People want to know someone is listening, someone cares, and that someone will go to bat for them.
Show you care
Don’t just say you care, show you care. Words are cheap. Share bonuses based on contribution and profit. Give recognition to tenure milestones. Celebrate victories, choose an employee of the month, but most of all listen, and then act. Nothing shows you care more than acting on your employees needs, wants, and concerns.
Is it Time to Step up to the Plate?
Taking time to get to know your people, understand their needs, and help them reach their goals is one of the first steps in developing an all-star team. Coupled with a clear vision and effective training it can be inspirational. When teammates are inspired they work harder, enjoy their work more, and aren’t looking to replace you. Have you inspired your team? Have you gone to bat for them? We’d love to hear your story.
How Can I Help You?
I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me.
So, does your business have a management training plan? Because, if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out. It might help you stop putting off what you want to do.
Photo by Chris Chow on Unsplash
