As a leader, you have a lot on your plate all the time. But one of the most important things, if not the most important thing, is supporting your staff. Making sure your employees are happy is perhaps one of the most efficient ways of setting your startup up for success.
We asked four entrepreneurs what great managers do for their employees so they can excel at their jobs. Check out their responses below and be prepared to make some changes to your strategy when it comes to showing your employees you care:
Be Available at All Times
One of the most common complaints I hear from other teams is that their managers simply don’t talk to them. They communicate when they hand down projects or tasks, but they’re often unreachable otherwise. A great manager will always be available when one of their staff has a question or concern, and they will always make an effort to reach out and ensure employees have everything they need to get the job done.
– Steven Buchwald of Buchwald & Associates
Know Their Strengths
Great managers ensure that their employees are in the right positions. Pitchers need to be pitching, and catchers need to be catching. This sounds simple, but so often, employees are in positions that don’t allow them to fully utilize their strengths. Know what each of your employees greatest strengths are and leverage them to help the entire team excel.
– Amy Pazahanick of Agape Ventures
Listen
Listen to your employees. Listen for ideas and insights into culture and ways to improve your business. Listen for any hidden red flags and threats to your business. Then, remove any roadblocks, help resolve challenges and clear any unnecessary negative baggage that may be lying around. The best thing a good leader can do is encourage great energy and talent.
– Arry Yu of GiftStarter
Give Feedback to Help Them Grow
Communication is key. Providing performance feedback helps employees continually improve. I hold monthly meetings with team members to assess projects and check-in with them. Often, some seek growth opportunities and want to take on new challenges or tasks. I place team members in positions based on their strengths, skill set, and passions, while also allowing for more growth opportunities along the way.
– Angela Delmedico of Elev8 Consulting Group
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