Just because you’re a manager doesn’t mean you’re too good to do certain jobs. In fact if you go around with the sort of attitude that you’re better than everybody else then you’ll never gain the respect of those you’re managing.
Earning Respect
My husband tells a story of when he worked at a DIY store as a young man. He had a manager whom he really disliked and who, in return, probably wasn’t that fond of my husband.
Anyway, one afternoon, close to going home time a large delivery of wood came into the store. Everyone was moaning not wanting to stay late. ‘OK,’ said the hateful manager ‘let’s get on with it’. He took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves and helped unload so they could all go home on time.
My husband still didn’t like the manager but started to have a grudging respect for him. He could have easily have told everyone to stop moaning and left them to it. But instead, he got involved and worked the hardest of the lot to get the load in.
Managers Must Manage
Now I’m not suggesting that managers start to do the work of their staff all the time. After all, a manager’s job is to manage. But there are times when a manager has to get involved, for example, if there are unexpected staff shortages or the workload gets unexpectedly high.
Hopefully, if the manager is managing well this doesn’t happen very often. But unforeseen circumstances do arise.
More Management Tips
There are many ways managers must act to gain the respect of, and to motivate their staff. Here are a few more:
• Treat your staff, as you would like to be treated.
• Only ask your employees to do something you are prepared to do yourself.
• Have and maintain a work ethic.
• Be a good listener and respond to requests.
• Help your staff to succeed.
• Allow staff to carry out ideas that will benefit the whole team.
• Communicate your expectations clearly.
• Treat your staff with dignity and respect.
• Be fair.
And in Business Bites this month there’s a great video on motivation and problem solving.
