Even if you have a lot of experience leading teams, it is vital that you rethink how you do things and if your employees work under a healthy and responsible direction. If you do, you can get better results from your staff, not only in productivity, but also in job satisfaction.
If this is the first time you will be a team leader, these tips will also facilitate this task and the relationship with the entire ‘template’.
Keys to not being a toxic boss, regardless of your experience in it:
- Respect
The basis is all respect, both to collaborators and leaders. Regardless of a new position of power, kindness and empathy should always remain, because we do not know when the situation will change.
“One of the most common mistakes we have is not related to commanding, but how people perceive the approach. Respect will not take away your authority, on the contrary, it will make communication more efficient, “said Eduardo Almanza, regional manager of Training and Employability ofManpowerGroup.
Nowadays, if you disrespect someone, you may find yourself in trouble with Human Resources and your image in front of employees can change, causing fear and distrust.
- The rules of the game
Set ‘rules of the game’ and keep your team in line with the objectives set. Everyone must do their part and fulfill the assigned role.
You can also create rules to manage your workgroup. Do not forget to socialize them with the greatest clarity and consensus, you must be open to the ideas and opinions of others.
“You must understand the rules that are going to be applied in the company and not ask for things contrary to what is established; give training, know how to address employees from the workplace, so that they have what is necessary and can fulfill their obligations, since instead of demanding they should instruct,” said Almanza.
- Stay calm
It is impossible not to have times of crisis, day-to-day problems or greater challenges. Therefore, leading a team is also knowing how to attend to unforeseen events and talk about calm so that all employees can ‘tolerate’ a situation.
According to the ManpowerGroup expert, before reacting, a boss must investigate the problem, from the simplest. For example, if the employee was late, it is better to avoid anger and preserve a contact in a serene manner. In this way it will be easier for you to specify an action plan, agreements and a favorable solution.
- Have balance:
Ideally, you should always approach situations objectively. Know the causes, take action, and explain them to your team so they know how it’s going to work. This ensures assertive and growing communication among all and with better results.
Finally, don’t be imposing and authoritarian. Don’t be “paternalistic, infantilizing the team, either. It is better clarity to explain what is breached, how it affects and what will be the sanction that will be carried out, and not be visceral, “concluded Almanza.