Evolving Leadership and Employee Communication: Become a Manager Who Inspires

The leadership landscape is changing, and as a result the collective culture of the workplace is evolving as well. Leaders across the country have discovered that coaching, conversation, encouragement, and promoting work life balance are the keys to having happy and productive employees. As more and more upper management, HR professionals, and business owners begin implementing these improved management styles, employees are also beginning to expect bosses who instill this type of company culture. So, if you want to be able gain and retain quality employees, you should consider initiating these management techniques.
 
Have Conversations
No matter the position of an employee, everyone wants to feel respected and heard. That is why it is quintessential for managers to have regular conversations with their employees. Check in and see how they are handling their workload, ask if they have questions, and supply regular feedback about their performance. You can even just ask about their day. Not only does this establish a rapport and show you care, but it also allows you to correct misunderstandings and problems before they become an issue. The days of an unreachable boss closed up in their office are long past, and communication is in.
 
Add Meaning
People, especially millennials, really value working for companies that have a greater purpose. It is up to you as management to establish what sort of purpose-driven opportunities your company provides. If your company doesn’t have a directly positive impact on the world with your product, figure out how you can add community service as part of your business model. Working for a company that helps people within your community will inspire your employees and create a deeper sense of purpose and camaraderie throughout the company as a whole.
 
Be a Coach
Take the time to develop your employees. Learn about your employees’ strengths and weaknesses, and discover how to utilize those strengths to their maximum potential. Be a mentor who encourages learning, shadowing, and improvement. Employees who feel like management takes the time to help them improve also feel appreciated and develop a strong sense of loyalty to the company.
 
Promote Balance
Nowadays the line between work and personal life often become a blur. It is up to the management of the company to establish a balance that is healthy. Create a safe work environment that people are happy to be a part of and spend a lot of time in, but also encourage time spent with family, and time off for vacations.
 
Being in upper management is no longer about ruling with an iron fist, instead it is about creating a culture that inspires employees and promotes engagement and purpose. A leader who chooses to use the above management techniques is one who will easily attract employees who are excited about working for their company.