5 Changes Startup Managers Should Make in the New Year

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to set goals for your startup and improve management.

The key to improving your startup and being an effective manager is acknowledging the fact that all your employees have something valuable to offer. Just because you're in charge doesn't mean your employees can't contribute ideas or have accountability for projects. The new year is your chance to implement some positive changes in your startup and create more success in 2014.

1. Develop employees' leadership skills.

As a startup manager, you should encourage all of your employees to become leaders. As you delegate projects and tasks to your employees, give them opportunities to fill roles you do as their manager. These should be assignments they may not be familiar with, but would help them develop their leadership skills. For example, you can assign them with presentations or encourage them to manage a team of coworkers. By doing this, you will allow your employees to come into the spotlight and learn what they are capable of as leaders.

2. Teach your employees how to be influential.

This year, teach your employees how to win people over in positive ways. A successful team is one that works together and has a positive impact on each other. If you want your employees to inspire each other in the workplace, teach them how to be positive influencers. Teach them about the results of their actions and how those results can impact the workplace. Once employees become aware of their actions and what it takes to create positive results, they will be able to influence each other to work together in a positive and productive way.

3. Encourage accountability and responsibility.

Unfortunately, most managers aren't always clear about their expectations for employees. To be a successful startup manager, you need to be consistent in your expectations for accountability and responsibility. Employees need to know that they are responsible for their actions and outcomes of their projects. Be clear to your employees that you expect them to hold themselves accountable for their success, and they will be motivated to work more efficiently.

4. Provide better feedback for your employees.

Make it a goal to provide clear and timely feedback to your employees this year. If you want them to improve, they need to know immediately if they're doing a good job or if they made a mistake. Employees want to hear about their progress from top management, so make sure you communicate your feedback as they continuously complete projects.

5. Dive deeper into your employees' experience and skills.

You have a talented team of people who have excellent experience and strong skills sets. As a manager, tap into this wealth of experience in order to multiply positive results for your startup. Encourage your employees to share their ideas and knowledge with upper management and to also create new ideas. You should also personally ask your employees for their input and listen to their recommendations. Not only will help foster more inclusion in the workplace, but also you could also create more innovation.

Startup managers have the opportunity to be movers and shakers of their companies this year. You have the ability to create a team that is energized, motivated, and efficient. If you want to improve your startup this year, then it must start with managers who will go above and beyond to inspire and encourage their employees.

What management changes will you implement in your startup this year?

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Written by:
Heather R. Huhman is a career expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder & president of Come Recommended, a content marketing and digital PR consultancy for job search and human resources technologies. She is also the author of Lies, Damned Lies & Internships (2011) and #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle (2010). Find Heather on Google+.
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