How can I be a better boss/manager?

amother

Sat, Dec 30 2023, 5:29 pm

I am in middle management. I want to do a better job at being manager/boss for my team. I have no control over salaries, bonuses, sick days, vacation days, etc. I can do small things, that's pretty much it. What would you like your boss/manager to do that would make you feel good at work?

amother

Geranium

Sat, Dec 30 2023, 6:11 pm

I would like not to be micro managed. It would also be nice to have a BBQ or a random bagels or pizza day.

singleagain ↓

Sat, Dec 30 2023, 6:20 pm

Make sure your staff have comfortable office stuff .. if you can approve little purchases such as new chairs, standing desks, wrist rests, ergonomic keyboards and mice.... Things like that. I know not all of these are like little but If you have the funds or petty cash or something and you know just to make sure that they're comfortable.... And I know it's silly but like my boss let me get colorful pens and it made me happy

happyone

Sat, Dec 30 2023, 6:28 pm

Just letting them know they are doing a good job, and are appreciated, is sometimes all they need. Bring in little things like chocolate, or random breakfast or lunch to show them appreciation, with a handwritten note. Little gestures can go a long way.
Be honest as to how they are doing and guide towards successful change if necessary.
Communicate effectively, and let them know when changes may be happening in your company.
Offer small incentives like Starbucks / Dunkin donut cards, manicures /pedicures.

Last edited by happyone on Sat, Dec 30 2023, 6:29 pm; edited 1 time in total

amother

Mistyrose

Sat, Dec 30 2023, 6:29 pm

Advocate on your employees behalf.
Regularly send emails of acknowledgement to an employee for a job well done and cc upper management.

↑ singleagain ↓

Sat, Dec 30 2023, 6:30 pm

happyone wrote:

Just letting them know they are doing a good job, and are appreciated, is sometimes all they need. Bring in little thinks like chocolate, or random breakfast or lunch to show them appreciation, with a handwritten note. Littles gestures can go a long way
Be honest as to how they are doing and guide towards successful change if necessary.
Communicate effectively, and let them know when changes may be happening in your company.
Offer small incentives like Starbucks / Dunkin donut cards, manicures /pedicures.

I feel like manicure/pedicure is a bit over the line... Stick with coffee cards or even just a visa/amex gift card

amother

NeonGreen

Sat, Dec 30 2023, 6:36 pm

Good in the office
A happy positive environment
Weekly team meetings as well as meeting with team member separately

ShishKabob

Sat, Dec 30 2023, 7:50 pm

amother Mistyrose wrote:

Advocate on your employees behalf.
Regularly send emails of acknowledgement to an employee for a job well done and cc upper management.

And cc the employee as well so they know you have their back.

amother

Candycane

Sat, Dec 30 2023, 7:53 pm

amother Mistyrose wrote:

Advocate on your employees behalf.
Regularly send emails of acknowledgement to an employee for a job well done and cc upper management.

As a manager, I love this!

amother

DarkPurple

Sat, Dec 30 2023, 7:59 pm

Let the little things go! If an employee is doing their job great! Doesn't make a deference how their doing.

amother

Darkblue ↓

Sat, Dec 30 2023, 8:12 pm

amother DarkPurple wrote:

Let the little things go! If an employee is doing their job great! Doesn't make a deference how their doing.

Adding to this that when/if you assign them a new responsibility, give them some time to figure it out. Don't expect them to be perfect at it right away and don't get hung up on minor mistakes.

ittsamother

Sat, Dec 30 2023, 9:22 pm

amother Darkblue wrote:

Adding to this that when/if you assign them a new responsibility, give them some time to figure it out. Don't expect them to be perfect at it right away and don't get hung up on minor mistakes.

But also make sure they really understand how to do the new responsibility. Don't assume they know what they're doing and just leave them alone for a while to get the handle of it- they can sink then and be too nervous to ask for more help. So stay on top of it in a non-critical-nitpicky way. More like checking in and going, "Do you have what you need to handle XYZ? Do you feel like you know what you're doing? Is there more guidance I can give you?"

↑ singleagain

Sat, Dec 30 2023, 9:26 pm

Also. Realize that people learn differently. When I was recently training someone, they needed me to slow down and take notes.

I personally find that I learn better if I watch a video of someone doing it.

Also, ask for feedback. Because like if they do a thing and they find a cool shortcut or you know this isn't a thing that you do every so often. Check in with them and see if there's anything that you can help do to make their job run smoother.

It just really sucks when I'm go to my bosses and I'm like hey wouldn't it be better to do it this way and they're like well do it the old way.

Even if for whatever reason you have to do it the old way just don't be dismissive about it. You know listen, sympathize, validate and say unfortunately the people above me won't change

amother

Pansy

Sun, Dec 31 2023, 10:02 am

Don’t make accusations. If someone makes a mistake, make sure it’s noticed so they can learn from it, but don’t treat them like a child about it.

amother

↑ Darkblue

Sun, Dec 31 2023, 10:16 am

amother Pansy wrote:

Don’t make accusations. If someone makes a mistake, make sure it’s noticed so they can learn from it, but don’t treat them like a child about it.

Tell them they made a mistake and give them a chance to correct it.