Tips for Being a Good Manager When You Run a Business
Running a business means you likely wear a lot of hats, and managing a team is going to be one of the bigger ones. Not only because it takes a lot of time and effort, but because you have other people who rely on your guidance and support. Your employees are one of the most important and valuable assets in your business. It is therefore vital that you give them the care that they require. To help you on your journey to being a good manager while you are running a successful business, here are some top tips.
Image Credit: Shamblen Studios
Be kind
Being kind sounds easy, but is often one of the biggest things that managers neglect to do. Many people believe there has to be a big separation between managers and employees, and the only way to achieve respect is to be strict and harsh. This couldn’t be further from the truth. As a manager, gaining respect is important, but you can still do this without being unfair to your employees. Make sure that whatever management style you approach, you are kind and compassionate.
Listen and learn
A good manager will always listen to what their employers have to say. In some cases, this feedback from employees should be listened to and taken on board. Employees are the people who work directly with your customers, products, systems, and much more. They will have a great perspective on what is going on within the business and should be taken seriously. Managers can learn a lot when they take the time to listen to what their employees have to say.
Image Credit: Shamblen Studios
Lead
Other managers take the opposite approach and are friends with their employees. This is not necessarily an incorrect approach, but you do need to find a balance between being friendly and leading the team. Employees need to see someone in charge, someone who can guide and mentor them to be better personally and professionally. As a manager, it is your role to lead your team to success. Make sure you don’t just sit back expecting results. It is up to you to motivate and drive them to get results.
Invest in training and upskilling
Your employees are your greatest investment. If you want your business to grow, your employees will need to as well, or else they will hold your business back. You should always be looking for new ways to help them grow professionally, whether it is hands-on training, team-building sessions, or letting them take courses for certifications. If you own a restaurant, then it is likely that you will go through regular customer service training with your staff to ensure they know how to speak to customers and can handle conflict. You can also invest in hospitality training to upskill your staff, as well as courses such as a TABC certification.
Being a good manager means considering the role from all angles. Not just the way you speak to your staff, but making sure you listen, take on board their feedback, learn how to lead them, and invest in them. Follow these top tips to be a better manager.
