Your employees look to you for guidance and support. As a leader, your role includes managing morale and leading your team through times of uncertainty.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers the following tips for developing skills you need to be a great boss.
- Practice human leadership. Instead of traditional leadership where tasks are delegated and assigned rigidly, employees now need a leadership approach that is flexible, empathetic and authentic. Only 29% of employees say their bosses are human leaders, so find ways to implement those values in your workplace culture.
- Develop a crisis management plan. Events such as global conflicts, economic issues and presidential elections can contribute to a risky business environment. It is crucial you plan for how they could affect your company so you can alleviate the risks. You and your managers could create a business continuity plan that identifies what to do in case of an emergency—such as a data breach or natural disaster—and helps your team stay organized in a crisis.
- Prioritize building a cohesive culture. Office culture has changed significantly, and you must find ways to foster a culture that resonates with everyone. Ensure employees feel valued; emphasize your company’s mission; and implement tools that empower employees to be easily connected during the day.
- Be willing to delegate. When facing uncertainty, managers often try to be more hands-on, which unfortunately leads to micromanagement. Delegate to your team members, giving them tasks they can achieve with the resources they need to complete their work independently. Giving your employees more responsibility allows you to focus on the bigger picture and helps them develop professionally.
- Ask for feedback. Open, honest communication can help quickly identify and address problems before they worsen and damage employee morale. Ask your team to contribute ideas for how your company can improve its operations.
