New Jersey Enterpreneur - Small Business, Entrepreneurs and Venture Capital

By     Susan Gauff

        Founder, CEO

        The Growth Solutions Group

Do you want to enjoy improved productivity from your team members?  How about better relationships?  Doesn't improving your own productivity and reducing stress sound like heaven?   You  can enjoy these benefits by incorporating three simple practices in your management style.

        No, managers are not born although some of us have a stronger propensity for it than others.  Managers are made through trial and error, experience and good judgment.  You, too, can get better at it if you incorporate some basic philosophies in your leadership style.

        Maya Angelou, famous poet, said, "People will not remember what you said.  They will not remember what you did.  But they will always remember how you made them feel."   Think back to your early days in business.  Wasn't your favorite manager the one who made you feel the best about yourself?

Secret #1 - Help employees build their self esteem. 

        Psychologists say it takes seven compliments for make up for one criticism.  So why are most managers more critical than complimentary?  It's very easy to say nice things to your employees.  They don't have to be big and they don't have to insincere.  "Thank you" works wonders.  "Good job" is another great one.  But even little comments can make employees feel great about themselves.  Here are some phrases that will work:

• Good point, let's give it a try
• I like the way you handled that customer
• We really appreciate that you stayed late last night
• You set a fine example for the others
• That was a very creative solution
• Your reports are always accurate

Secret #2 --  Get them to participate

People are always better at buying in to ideas that are their own.  Think about how it makes you feel when you suggest something that works out well.  A good manager will encourage employees to develop and use their own ideas.  Asking the "how would you handle it" question often may result in an idea better than your own but certainly will result in one at least as good.  Here are some phrases that will help you get the best buy in.

• Golly, you may be right about that
• I'd like to know more
• Tell me what you think
• How would you handle this
• What's your approach

          Secret #3 - Be humble - Acknowledge your own faults

        Nothing makes a person more real than to be able to apologize or comment on their own faults.  Nobody's perfect and your employees will feel much better about you if you admit when you're not.  Some managers feel that admitting a mistake or misjudgment is a weakness.  In fact, it shows your strength and gives your employee the comfort that they can make and admit mistakes of their own.   Use words like this when appropriate

• Sorry, I didn't mean to raise my voice
• I really blew that one
• I could have handled that better
• You were right, we should have tried it your way
• That was an inappropriate thing to say.

Follow these three rules and watch your management abilities blossom.   Employees will feel good about you and their work.  You'll have less stress and feel more productive.  Isn't this worth making a little effort?