Top 10 tips: To managing people (PLEASE JUST TALK!)

            Author - Karen Gane

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Top 10 tips: To managing people (PLEASE JUST TALK!)

Most new businesses fail because they lack the fundamentals of a good business. This includes people management.

In order to transform your start-up into something more, you need to inspire your staff to share in your vision. As the saying goes, you’re only as good as the people around you.

This may sound relatively easy to achieve – you’ve got a great idea, so what’s not to get excited about? But in reality, staff expect more from “the boss” than passion.  They expect consistency, direction, fairness, and the list goes on.

Failure rates for early-stage ventures are reasonably high, but most fail because they lack the fundamentals of a good business. This includes people management.

In order to transform your start-up into a world-class company, you need to inspire your staff to share in your vision. As the saying goes, you’re only as good as the people around you.

This may sound relatively easy to achieve – you’ve got a great idea, so what’s not to get excited about? But in reality, staff expect more from their leader than passion.

They expect consistency, direction, fairness, and the list goes on.

1. Do Your Job

Managing people isn’t an excuse to let them do the work whilst you look on. Of course, sometimes your job may involve being more strategic but your staff will respect you for doing what needs to be done and being willing to pitch in like everyone else at times.  Get the balance right and earn respect from your staff.

2. Acknowledge The Positive (TALK!)

See the positives in your staff and their work. It is demoralising for staff to have someone only see what they have done ‘wrong’. Positivity breeds positivity. Genuine and meaningful praise goes a long way. Give feedback regularly and let them know that you see the good work they do.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Manage (TALK!)

Things don’t always go smoothly in any workplace. You are a manager, so you must be willing to manage. Some people find it hard to set boundaries or give feedback but it is important to get over that hurdle. If you need some help, ask.  It doesn’t come naturally to everyone. You can make a work situation worse by not being clear with staff if you are hesitant about managing.

4. Be Vulnerable (TALK!)

If you make a mistake, be big about it and apologise. It can be scary and seem like you are making yourself vulnerable, but your staff will appreciate your honesty. Everyone likes someone who takes responsibility for your actions. Being honest will help you create a culture of honesty.

5. Be Real With People (TALK!)

The way we work is changing. You don’t have to be superhuman or untouchable. Be the real human being that you are. Let people at work know about your life (not everything!)  and find out about others. If you let people know the “real you” it is much easier than having different personalities for your work and home life.

6. Communicate (TALK!)

I don’t apologise for this being a bigger section, it’s important (I worry I am being too subtle about TALKing)!

Let your staff know what’s going on behind the scenes, as appropriate. If something will affect a member of staff, make sure they are included in the communication. This doesn’t mean you have to let your staff know everything. Sometimes keeping communications back until the correct time can save panic and needless worrying. Communicate appropriately and consistently but be aware of how communication (or lack of it) can affect your staff.

Staff interaction, communication and teamwork are vital factors in company development.  When you review your business plan, ensure things like core values and ongoing strategy is effectively communicated to staff which will help build respect, boosting team and individual achievement.

7. Lead By Example (Walk the TALK)

If you want your staff to behave in a certain way (professional, good team players), then lead by example. It is not fair to expect your staff to do something if you are not doing it yourself.

8. Be Self Aware (TALK!)

Be aware of your moods and how you communicate. You may not realise how much of an impact you have on your team as a manager. You may know you are in a bad mood about the dog chewing your shoes this morning but staff may feel that they have done something wrong if they don’t know this! Be aware of how and what you communicate. Your team will pick up on it.

9. Have Fun (TALK!)

Having fun at work can help make the work easier for everyone, forge positive relationships and strengthen your team. There is usually room for more fun in any work environment, but if the nature of your work makes that difficult, be sure to schedule fun activities when you can. Meeting for lunch or drinks after work can help build relationships and help your team to see you and each other in a new light. If you create a positive work atmosphere it also becomes easier to deal with challenges as they arise.

10. Trust Yourself

At the end of the day, there is no one right way to be a manager. Trust yourself and learn through your mistakes.  Managing others is a great way to develop and enhance your leadership skills and create a positive work experience for yourself and others.

Thank you for sparing some time looking through the above.  I appreciate this is not an exhaustive list, I have many other tips so contact me to talk some more.

Alternatively, why not comment below so we can all come up with the definitive list: remember TALK!

Until next time, take care.