2014-10-02
The author of books about leadership, undertaking and techniques for the improvement of paperwork processes, Jeff Haden, suggests a Decalogue of sentences that every manager should read every day to his employees to provoke a positive change, in his/ her life and in the people around him/her. Put them into practice and start the change!
- Do not impose your authority. To be in charge doesn’t mean to be more intelligent than the people surrounding you. In any case, explain your decisions and reasoning in a logical way, without using your authority. The critiques and questions will allow you to take agreed decisions, favouring the collaboration and unity.
- Admit your mistakes. Far from losing you respect, your employees will appreciate positively that you recognize when you are wrong. It is a sign of great consideration with the people around you.
- Congratulate for a well-done work. Praising the well-done work will be always well received. It is a small gesture that costs nothing and helps to feel happier to the person who receives the compliment. No matter how much time had passed, to congratulate somebody for his/her achievements will remind him/her that you appreciate him/her.
- Give thanks. Never forget to thank others what they do for you or answer “You’re welcome, I have enjoyed doing it” when someone shows you his/her gratitude. To be always the centre of attention can be a wear, making you feel insecure or restless. So share the gratitude and congratulations with your team.
- Ask for help. Asking for help sincerely and with humility, apart of the position or function of the other person, will help you get everything you need. Show respect and willingness, they are qualities that every leader should have.
- Apologize for your mistakes. It is important to apologize for inappropriate words or actions, that could have bother another person explaining your reasons. When you do it, accept responsibilities without buts, and without blaming the other person. Both of you can go back to one.
- Ask somebody to teach you. To know how or why to do something is much more productive than to ask for advice. When you ask someone to teach you, you are showing that you appreciate his/her experience and judgement, besides your trust in that person.
- Offer your help. A lot of people are afraid to ask for help because they believe that it is sign of weakness, so when you offer your help specify: “I have some minutes, can I help you to finish that?”
- Behave as you want your employees to do it. You must be an example for them.
- When you are feeling angry or frustrated, better not to say anything. To say what you think or feel won’t make you feel better. Before acting, think about how your employees will feel when they hear what you have to tell them.
“A great leader is the one who is able to help others to find out their potential by themselves”
Bo Bennett