To maximize a team’s potential, its leaders need to establish a productive rapport with each member. That can be a real challenge for business owners managing dozens - or even hundreds of employees.
Nevertheless, it’s critical for business owners to make “the leadership connection” with their staff.
Simply put, the leadership connection is an authentic bond between you and your staff. When it exists, employees feel like they genuinely know you — if not literally, then at least in the sense of having a positive impression of your personality, values and vision. Here are four ways to build and strengthen the leadership connection with your workforce.
1. Listen and share
Today’s employees want more than just equitable compensation and benefits. They want a voice. To that end, set up an old-fashioned suggestion box or perhaps a more contemporary email address or website portal for staff to share concerns and ask questions.
You can directly reply to queries with broad implications. Meanwhile, other executives or managers can handle questions specific to a given department or position. Choose communication channels thoughtfully. For example, you might share answers through company-wide emails or make them a feature of an internal newsletter or blog. Video messages can also be effective.
2. Stage formal get-togethers
Although leaders at every level need to be careful about calling too many meetings, there is still value in getting everyone together in one place in real time. At least once a year, consider holding a “town hall” meeting where:
- The entire company gathers to hear you (and perhaps others) present on the state of the business, and
- Anyone can ask a question and have it answered (or receive a promise for an answer soon).
Town hall meetings are a good venue for discussing the company’s financial performance and establishing expectations for the immediate future.
You could even take it to the next level by organizing a company retreat. One of these events may not be feasible for businesses with bigger workforces. However, many small businesses organize off-site retreats so everyone can get better acquainted and explore strategic ideas.
3. Make appearances
Meetings are useful, but they should not be the only time staff see you. Interact with them in other ways as well. Make regular visits to each unit, department or facility of your business. Give managers a chance to speak with you candidly. Sit in on meetings; ask and answer questions.
By doing so, you may gather ideas for eliminating costly redundancies and inefficiencies. Maybe you will even find inspiration for your next big strategic move. Best of all, employees will likely get a morale boost from seeing you take an active interest in their corners of the company.
4. Have fun and celebrate
All work and no play makes business owners look dull and distant. Remember, employees want to get to know you as a person, at least a little bit. Show positivity and a sense of humor. Share appropriate personal interests, such as sports or caring for pets, in measured amounts.
Above all, don’t neglect to celebrate your business’s successes. Be enthusiastic about hitting sales numbers or achieving growth targets. Recognize the achievements of others — not just on the executive team but throughout the company. Give shout-outs to staff members on their birthdays and work anniversaries.
It’s all about trust
Ultimately, building the leadership connection is all about earning trust. The more your employees’ trust in you, the more likely they are to be loyal, engaged and productive. Your Rudler, PSC advisor is here to help you assess your business’s productivity and analyze the cost of developing your workforce. Contact us today if you have any questions at 859-331-1717.
RUDLER, PSC CPAs and Business Advisors
This week's Rudler Review is presented by Kacie Hamlett, Staff Accountant and Matt Topmiller, CPA.
If you would like to discuss your particular situation, contact Kacie or Matt at 859-331-1717.
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