What makes a good boss? A strong vision? Confidence in your abilities? Extensive experience?
Yes, yes, and yes. However, as one of Kansas City’s top staffing agencies, Morgan Hunter knows there’s actually one attribute that’s even more important when it comes to effective management. And it’s not really about managing at all – it’s about teaching.
That’s right, making the jump from boss to teacher can actually help you to better manage your team, produce a higher quality product, and make a bigger and more positive impact on your bottom line. So how do you make the transition? Here are a few ideas worth considering:
Come From a Place of “Yes.”
As the boss, it’s easy to shoot down ideas, to close your door when you don’t want to be interrupted, to not solicit feedback from your employees when making decisions. But all these things create a culture of negativity. Turn things around and come from a more open place instead. Ask for feedback, let employees know all ideas are welcome, and use accountability to motivate rather than punish.
Teach Your Employees to Think Like Entrepreneurs.
You have no problem making decisions, taking risks and finding opportunities for growth. But do your employees? While they may not think like entrepreneurs now, it’s a skill that can be taught. And doing so can lead to your employees taking more ownership over their roles at your company and making a bigger impact as a result.
Learn Alongside Your Employees.
You’re the boss and you might think you know it all. But you really don’t. So when it comes to certain topics where you and your team could all learn a new skill, take off your “boss” hat and put on your “student” hat instead – and learn something new right alongside your employees.
Don’t Do the Thinking for Your Employees.
Your employees undoubtedly come to you with questions and sometimes it seems easier to either just give them the answer or do the work for yourself. And while doing so might return short term results, employees aren’t really learning anything in the long run. So instead of giving your employees the answer, reply to their question with a question – such as “how do you think you should go about solving the problem?” Encourage employees to think for themselves and come up with their own solutions, rather than doing the heavy lifting for them.
Need Help Finding Great Employees to Teach?
Let Morgan Hunter know. Since 1986, companies in the Kansas City area have looked to Morgan Hunter Corporate Search to assist them in securing their most valuable asset – quality employees. Let us help you too. Contact Morgan Hunter today to get started.