The key to any successful organization is stable leadership. To anyone new to the position, taking on that much responsibility might sound a little intimidating, but with these five principles in mind, anyone can become a competent, capable leader in no time at all:
Effectively delegate.
Don’t try to do everything yourself. Not only does that encroach on your employees’ territory and make them uncomfortable with you scrutinizing their every move, but it also inhibits you from doing your own job correctly. Delegating the work to competent individuals allows the organization to achieve more than one person could on their own, and instills confidence in your employees and overall creates a more harmonious workspace.
Set goals.
Goals give people purpose. They allow people to measure their progress in a very visible way, as well as offers employees something to bond over because they are all working towards a common goal.
Recognize when the company achieves goals.
Just as it is crucial for employees to make their yearly goals, it’s equally important to celebrate when those goals are accomplished. Recognition in some capacity shows that you as the boss are paying attention, and the gesture shows that you consider your employees’ and company’s success as your own. A simple handwritten thank-you note, for example, is a meaningful expression of gratitude, and furthermore, doesn’t take long to write or cost much to buy. Recognizing employee success will make them feel good and want to work harder, which is all the more beneficial for your company.
Communication is key.
Take the time to talk with your employees. Make sure they have the information they need in order to complete their jobs so you can do yours. Whether that means sending out a blast email with daily updates or holding office hours on a biweekly basis where people can air concerns and ask questions, give your employees the opportunity to have contact with you. Being available goes a long way, as do actually talking to employees and treating them with the same respect they would towards you.
Think long-term.
It can be easy to worry about the immediate solution, and merely focus on that. But for continued success, it’s imperative to look to the future and work to anticipate the cause of the problem. Finding a lasting solution will make the organization function more smoothly, in the long run, giving you more time to attend to other pressing matters.
Make the workplace fun!
Within reason! You want to make sure everyone is getting the job done, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun while doing so. Start a dress-down Friday, or bring in dessert once a month. When employees come into work excited to be there, they’ll work harder and produce better results.