Being the boss is hard work. The job doesn’t come with an instruction manual, so you have to figure it out as you go.
You want to be the best possible leader for your team, but you’re only human, so you’re going to make mistakes. Here’s a look at four common missteps managers make. If you’re guilty of any, don’t fret — just make meaningful changes.
-
Failing to Watch What People Are Saying
As a caring boss, you check in with your employees regularly. You have regular one-on-one meetings with them and frequently stop by their desks to see how they’re doing — and you really listen. This is great, but listening alone doesn’t always tell the whole story. It’s also important to pay attention to visual cues — i.e., body language — as they discuss the real story.
For example, if an employee has clenched fists and seems upset, but says they’re fine, there’s a good chance they’re not telling you the truth.
-
Pretending to Be an Expert
Being the boss doesn’t mean you have to know everything. If you’re unsure about how to do something, be honest. Your employees will respect you a lot more for being open with them, than lying and trying to fake your way through a task. This sets a great precedent because they’ll feel more comfortable opening up when they need help.
-
Taking on Too Much
You’re only one person, so there are limits to the amount of work you can accomplish in a day. Don’t feel like you have to say ‘yes’ to every request, just because you’re the boss.
Don’t be afraid to push back when colleagues — and even your own boss — give you work you feel doesn’t fall under your realm. You should also learn to delegate, as this will both make your workload more manageable and help your employees learn and grow.
-
Micromanaging
There’s a lot of pressure associated with being a manager. Your employees’ work is a reflection of you, which drives a lot of bosses to start managing far too closely. Letting go of tasks isn’t easy, but you have to trust your employees. Constant hovering sends the message that you don’t trust them to do their jobs, and this will eventually cause them to leave.
Ready to expand your team? PrideStaff Dallas is here to help you find the perfect fit, so contact us today to get started!
