Most managers have worked their way up, giving them the skills to direct employees efficiently. However, new leaders quickly find that supervising other workers is vastly different than doing jobs themselves. Successful managers need to learn a host of new skills that include the ability to fill positions with competent workers, create clear communication channels, and resolve conflicts. They must also encourage and motivate staff and fairly administer policies.
1) Clear Communication Is Vital in Workplaces
Facilitating transparent communications is one of the most critical aspects of managing a workforce. Effective employee communication begins with a free flow of information. Leaders must be able to use devices like PCs, mobile technology, and communications software to keep workers in the loop at all times. Today’s multigenerational workforce includes a large percentage of Millennials who are not only adept at using communications technology but are most comfortable when it is part of their jobs.
Businesses are also focusing on developing clear, consistent feedback methods as elements of communications programs. While traditional reviews are still part of many companies, there is a trend toward more frequent feedback. For example, some managers meet with individuals twice a week to discuss their work. Research shows that ongoing feedback is more constructive and desirable than reviews.
2) It is Critical to Hire the Right People
Leaders have to manage employee turnover to ensure businesses are always fully staffed. Turnover is inevitable because workers are continually retiring, quitting, or being dismissed. However, well-run companies can minimize employee loss by hiring people who are the best fit for each job. In addition to having the requisite background, staff members must be able to perform their best in the company’s environment. The better employees fit into the culture, and the more they like their work, the less likely they are to leave.
Staffing agencies report that salary and benefits are still at the top of job seekers’ lists, but candidates are increasingly looking at company cultures before they commit to a position.
3) Managers Should Bring Out the Best in Employees
Even exceptional workers have “off” days and make mistakes or do not meet their goals. Smart managers understand how to minimize bad days and increase the good ones. They encourage workers by showing them respect and ensuring their job and personal goals are closely aligned. Managers can provide a healthy, positive work environment and support positive communications by taking steps like arranging lunches that give everyone a chance to interact.
4) Promoting Employee Well-Being Is Imperative
In the last few decades, more companies have learned the value of comprehensive health benefits that ensure employees have access to medical, dental, and mental health care. According to staffing specialists at Randstad, programs that promote overall employee wellness are becoming common, and with good reason. Rather than simply reducing workforce illness and absenteeism, businesses are creating workplaces that ensure staff can perform at their best. Looking out for workers’ best interests contributes to a more positive, productive environment.
More HR professionals are focusing on reducing workplace stress as part of wellness initiatives. Personal and financial issues have always impacted worker’s stress levels, but today many companies are finding that helping their staff manage stress provides a valuable benefit without raising salaries.
5) Leaders Have to Administer Policies Fairly
Per human resources experts ERC, consistently treating employees fairly and equally is one of management’s biggest challenges. It is possible for managers to strictly follow policies and procedures with some staff members but disregard them for others. Leaders may feel that stretching the rules is acceptable in certain cases. Unfortunately, the practice creates the perception that management is biased.
When managers develop an environment of favoritism, it opens companies up to potential liability and can lead to a variety of negative consequences. Businesses can combat the practice by ensuring that rules and regulations are clear to every member of leadership. Organizations need to make sure management is immediately made aware of changes. It is important that leaders have clear criteria for making decisions surrounding areas like hiring, recognition, and development. Companies also need to be clear about when management has discretion in decision making and when they do not.
6) Conflict Resolution Skills Are Essential
It is vital that managers can resolve conflicts quickly and fairly without impacting production. Some leaders are in the habit of ignoring problems, and they avoid directly addressing problematic situations. They may believe that employees just need to work out differences like personality conflicts. However, unresolved issues can lead to a negative environment, resentment, and even loss of valuable staff.
Skilled managers confront and address these challenges head-on. Common workplace problems can include performance issues, team conflicts, personality clashes, and trust issues in the workforce. Managers must listen to all employee input and allow each person to explain their needs and wants. A skillful leader will negotiate win-win situations that result in better productivity and a more positive culture.
7) Motivating Underperforming Employees Is Vital
Dealing with employees who are not doing their best is another problem that can test managers’ skills. Staff members may underperform for personal reasons, which leadership might not consider their problem. The reality is that anything affecting productivity is their problem.
The key to resolving the issue is to counsel the worker and try to determine the reason they cannot meet their goals. A good manager may be able to help workers overcome obstacles while providing motivation. However, leaders also need to consider the entire organization. If underperforming employees have been offered every available resource and still do not improve, effective managers may need to ease them out of the company.
Business managers are critical staff members who are responsible for creating cultures that bring out the best in workers. Effective leaders harness the power of technology to ensure clear, quick communications. They are skilled at motivating workers and look out for the well-being of their staff. Strong managers treat every employee fairly and apply the same rules to everyone. Leaders are adept at conflict resolution and dealing with employees who are not performing well.