If your company is having trouble retaining qualified people, it’s possible those people aren’t the problem. To put it bluntly, being the boss doesn’t automatically make you a good boss. It’s possible that your leadership style is turning people away.
Read through these five questions and ask yourself whether you’re reaching your leadership potential, or if you need to adjust your methods on your journey toward becoming a better boss.
Do you have constant turnover?
There’s nothing wrong with being meticulous about the people who are on your team, but if you spend more time trying to get rid of bad employees than working to keep your good ones, the problem may be with you. If you can’t count the number of new hires that have quit or long-term employees that have asked for a department transfer, it could be a sign that your leadership style is too difficult to work under.
Do your employees lie to you often?
This may sound like a sign of a bad employee, but it’s important to look at the underlying reasons for why this is happening. If you’re making unreasonable demands or punishing people excessively for their mistakes, you may be cultivating an environment where employees feel the only way they can get ahead or succeed is to lie.
Do you take credit for the work of your team members?
If you’re under the impression that everything your team produces can be passed off as your own, then you’re definitely going to have issues at some point. A “what’s yours is mine” mindset is not the kind of teamwork you should be promoting. Similarly, throwing your employees under the bus every time something goes wrong and never taking any of the blame will only serve to further distance you from your team.
Do you give your employees little to no guidance?
Never outlining goals and flying by the seat of your pants will result in a team that doesn’t feel like they can work effectively. Now, maybe you’re thinking, “At least I’m not a micromanager!” Keep in mind though, being a hands-on manager and providing guidance is not the same thing as being a micromanager. Good managers ensure their employees are clear on the desired outcomes. It’s possible to achieve this without dictating exactly how to do something and watching every little step along the way.
Do you tend to dump all your work on other people?
Being the boss means you shouldn’t have to do any of the work yourself. After all, that’s what your employees are for, right? Not so! Being a leader requires you to get your hands dirty and carry an equal part of the workload.
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then it’s important to ask yourself if you’re willing to change and become a better boss. In order for your hiring and retention strategy to thrive, you need to lead your team more effectively and promote a workplace that people want to be part of.
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Sign up for our monthly HIVE newsletter and get tips for finding a job, managing a business and advancing your career right in your inbox.
If your company is having trouble retaining qualified people, it’s possible those people aren’t the problem. To put it bluntly, being the boss doesn’t automatically make you a good boss. It’s possible that your leadership style is turning people away.
Read through these five questions and ask yourself whether you’re reaching your leadership potential, or if you need to adjust your methods on your journey toward becoming a better boss.
Do you have constant turnover?
There’s nothing wrong with being meticulous about the people who are on your team, but if you spend more time trying to get rid of bad employees than working to keep your good ones, the problem may be with you. If you can’t count the number of new hires that have quit or long-term employees that have asked for a department transfer, it could be a sign that your leadership style is too difficult to work under.
Do your employees lie to you often?
This may sound like a sign of a bad employee, but it’s important to look at the underlying reasons for why this is happening. If you’re making unreasonable demands or punishing people excessively for their mistakes, you may be cultivating an environment where employees feel the only way they can get ahead or succeed is to lie.
Do you take credit for the work of your team members?
If you’re under the impression that everything your team produces can be passed off as your own, then you’re definitely going to have issues at some point. A “what’s yours is mine” mindset is not the kind of teamwork you should be promoting. Similarly, throwing your employees under the bus every time something goes wrong and never taking any of the blame will only serve to further distance you from your team.
Do you give your employees little to no guidance?
Never outlining goals and flying by the seat of your pants will result in a team that doesn’t feel like they can work effectively. Now, maybe you’re thinking, “At least I’m not a micromanager!” Keep in mind though, being a hands-on manager and providing guidance is not the same thing as being a micromanager. Good managers ensure their employees are clear on the desired outcomes. It’s possible to achieve this without dictating exactly how to do something and watching every little step along the way.
Do you tend to dump all your work on other people?
Being the boss means you shouldn’t have to do any of the work yourself. After all, that’s what your employees are for, right? Not so! Being a leader requires you to get your hands dirty and carry an equal part of the workload.
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then it’s important to ask yourself if you’re willing to change and become a better boss. In order for your hiring and retention strategy to thrive, you need to lead your team more effectively and promote a workplace that people want to be part of.
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our monthly HIVE newsletter and get tips for finding a job, managing a business and advancing your career right in your inbox.