Everyone has had the boss from Hades at one point or another, and we all know how miserable work can be when the boss is a tyrant. People who are unhappy with their supervisors are more likely to quit unexpectedly or under perform at their jobs. If you find yourself in a leadership position, one of the first things you may do is promise yourself, “I’m not going to be that guy”.
So how do you avoid being that guy? The main rule is to remember to be positive when dealing with your employees. Rather than only picking apart mistakes, remember to mention it when someone does and extra good job. Don’t yell at everyone, “I better not have to deal with any screw-ups today!” at the morning meeting. Instead, try inspiring them with some hard work quotes. Tone of voice matters as well. Raising your voice a lot implies that you are angry even if you think you’re just a loud or enthusiastic person.
Remember that your words are important, and the way you say them is equally valuable. Watch your body language, and don’t speak to employees with your arms crossed. Pointing fingers is a big mistake, as it makes just about anyone feel defensive. Standing behind employees while they work makes them feel “watched” and nervous. You will probably see more mistakes if you start doing that, not less.
One of the best things you can do is make your workplace a fun place to work. Employees who are happy in their jobs tend to stay, so you won’t have to re-train new workers all the time. Having an enjoyable workplace does not mean having to sacrifice productivity. Allowing employees to listen to the radio or their Ipods while working in their cubicles can boost morale, and doesn’t interfere in most tasks. Having silly contests or celebrating coworkers’ birthdays is another idea to keep everyone happy. The main idea is to make the workplace a positive place full of energy, and you will reap the benefits with happier and more productive workers.
