How to Make Others Great
When we focus on building up other people, we develop traits that naturally bring us success.
Leaders and managers are so often caught up in creating flowcharts and mission statements that they forget what their real job is: to get the best out of the people they work with.
Too often we think of leaders as the people standing above us, measuring our every move, ruling with fear. But that style of leadership is ineffective. Micromanagement, punitive measures, and intimidation create an environment where employees accomplish only the minimum amount of required work.
How do we get the most out of the people we work with?
1. Recognize them for the good they do.
We all respond positively to praise. The secret is to be genuine. Reward employees and coworkers with sincere appreciation for things they do well and when they’ve gone the extra mile.
2. Focus on strengths.
This goes hand in hand with giving praise. Look carefully for a person’s strengths, and find ways to utilize those strengths in the way you do business. If a skilled worker is really good with people, you might put him or her in a position to interact with customers. The strengths of your people are the strengths of your business.
3. Make communication safe.
Allow employees to offer opinions and express concerns. Open communication leads to better solutions. And when employees know they are being listened to, they feel like they are of value to the company.
4. Yes, do lunch.
Set aside time to go to lunch with two or three people at a time. Make sure everybody gets a turn. Show interest in employees and coworkers; find out what they are interested in. Build a bond of trust by building a friendship. As you do this in small groups, you will create a large network of support.
Building trust and creating an environment where everybody brings their best effort takes time. It’s less about what you say and more about what you do. Be proactive and focus on these four principles every day. You’ll be surprised at the progress your team makes.