The difference between being a manager and a team leader is significant. Leaders focus on team member growth and well-being rather than task delegation or timecards. Best managers can do both and strategically integrate the strengths of every employee to create a successful organization. Deborah Sweeney – vice president and general manager of Deluxe Corp’s business acquisitions – says good managers can achieve this through emotional intelligence and soft skill.
Sweeney stated, “traditionally, we were taught to believe the person in the room with the highest intelligence was the smartest.” However, science shows that those with emotional intelligence are likelier to be top performers. These skills include social awareness, relationship management, self-management, and self-awareness. Ora Stull, a certified executive coach by the International Coach Federation, says you might have been used to controlling all aspects of your work. However, becoming a manager Mark Morabito will require giving up this control and delegating some tasks.
If you do not break your addiction to doing everything, you will be unable to move up to more senior duties,” she stated. “Letting go involves delegating. It’s also important to remember that delegation does not involve abandoning the team. Also, include the team in your decision-making process. It is impossible to deny that a boss’s work ethic can be contagious. They will be more inclined to work harder for you if they see you working hard.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. They also have different ways to learn. You have a duty as a boss to truly understand your employees’ characteristics to successfully lead them and build a strong relationship with each one. It is possible to do so by watching the way they work. Asking simple questions at regular intervals can also provide details.
Harvard Business Review says to ask the employee, “what has been your best work day in the last three months?” This will get them thinking about what they like doing. You can adjust how you give tasks to employees based on what they say.
You might also want to ask your colleagues the opposite question: “What has been the most difficult day at work for you in the last three months?” This will help you identify what’s not working and how you can fix the issue. You can significantly impact your company’s success by setting an example for others in your workplace. Create a fun, positive work environment to make team members feel valued and appreciated. A happy employee will be more productive. Create a diverse, inclusive workplace by modeling good behavior daily and organizing team-building activities.
It is important to recognize team achievements (even the small ones) often. The best leaders acknowledge their employees and show their appreciation whenever possible. The employees want to know that their efforts are appreciated. They will work harder if you give them credit for their hard work.