Consulting

Treat people how they would like to be treated

22 March 2019
2 min read

Happy New Year to all the managers out there. Did you make a resolution to be a better leader of your people this year? That should always be on the list.

If you manage people, don’t underestimate what an impact you have on their lives. People are working for you and giving you their time. Sure, you pay them for it, and yes, you are providing them with an opportunity, but they are providing you with their limited time and their potential – an unlimited opportunity for you.

To get the best out of your people, all you have to do is tap into them – connect with them, inspire them, empower them and then give them what they need to do a brilliant job for you – so the benefits far exceed the costs.

Every staff member will need something different from the other. For each team member consider their individual circumstances, then work out a win-win. That’s a good start.

For example, Dave in accounts may like the fact that you give him flexible work hours and the ability to sometimes work from home. Meanwhile Mary in sales may want to work only part time meaning lower sales commissions and less customers to manage. Or Dylan might like you checking in with him daily just to say hi how are you, while Jane in IT would prefer that all your requests for improvements are emailed to her rather than your current way of randomly swinging by her desk.

Basically, treat people how they want to be treated, not how you want to be treated.

Then it’s about you consistently checking in with them – informally and formally. Keep them engaged in doing their role to the best of their ability, with your support (only when needed).

If you know there’s more you could be doing, then get on with it now. Your people are a priority. You are paying them and if you are not enabling the best possible opportunity for them to thrive in your business, then you are wasting the opportunity to leverage their potential.

Where to start depends on where you are right now. If you need some help putting together the right programme and leadership approach, you are welcome to get in touch with our specialist leadership facilitators across the country for a no obligation chat.