As one of the leading staffing agencies in Kansas City, Morgan Hunter knows there’s a big difference between a manager and a leader. A manager simply oversees the work of others, while a leader understands what personally motivates each employee and inspires them to do their best work and achieve greatness. And if you want to be a leader, it all starts with earning the respect of your team. Here are 7 tips for doing just that:
#1: Show employees where they fit in.
Your people might know and understand the company-wide mission and goals. But did they also understand where they fit into this – and how their contributions matter? When employees understand their purpose, they’re far more likely to stay motivated, stay loyal to the company – and deliver positive results in the process.
#2: Create a sense of camaraderie.
People want meaningful relationships at work and to feel like they’re a part of a team. It’s just part of how humans are wired. So when you can facilitate bonds at work and build strong relationships as a result, you’ll also boost collaboration, motivation, and teamwork.
#3: Understand what drives each employee.
Different people are motivated by different incentives – from flexible schedules to higher pay. As a leader, it’s up to you to get to know each member of your team so you can determine what best motivates them. When you have this knowledge in place, you can then tailor your approach to managing them, which will get the best performance from each staff member.
#4: Set a positive tone.
As the one in charge, it’s up to you to set the tone for your work environment. Whatever approach you take, it’s important that you cultivate a climate of positivity and optimism. When you do, your employees will feel good about coming to work each day and striving to deliver the best results.
#5: Encourage your people.
Employees want to feel valued and recognized for a job well done. That’s why it’s so important to encourage them and share your appreciation for their hard work. It’s also important to share with them – intangible, specific ways – the impact their contributions have made on the business or department.
#6: Make sure everyone is clear about goals and expectations.
It sounds like a no-brainer. But many times, when employees are underperforming, it’s due to a lack of clarity about what they’re supposed to be doing. So strive for clarity with your team. Make sure everyone is on the same page and has a clear understanding of what they should be doing, when and why.
#7: Provide support.
Full-time employees spend the majority of their time at work. As a result, it’s easy for them to fall out of balance – which can eventually impact engagement and productivity. As a leader, aim to support a healthy work-life balance. Not only does this show you care, but when employees are satisfied in their life as a whole, they’ll perform better at work. It’s truly a win-win.
If you’re a leader looking to inspire a new crop of employees, call Morgan Hunter. As one of the leading staffing agencies in Kansas City, we pride ourselves on the service we provide for our clients. Our approach to staffing is distinctive and very successful, delivering optimum results to our partners. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.