10 Things to Avoid for Healthy Work Relationships
Written by Outerspection 12/8/2014
Tension in the workplace can be very draining and toxic to productivity and the overall goals of an organization. Work is where we spend the majority of our time so why not make it enjoyable for everyone? Here are 10 helpful tips to encourage a healthy work environment.
1. Provide a detailed job description upon hiring a new employee. The expectations and goals of the position should be very clearly stated. A great leader must have realistic expectations.
2. Be mindful that employees are not mind readers. If tasks or expectations should change, provide an updated list of responsibilities. Assuming often leads to disappointment.
3. Keep your relationship strictly business. A great leader establishes boundaries in his personal and professional life. This does not mean totally avoiding personal conversation over a morning coffee; however, it can get pretty sticky if and when tension surfaces and you have shared too much.
4. Address work issues immediately when they arise with a one on one meeting. Communication is key to encourage open dialog. While you may want to avoid confrontation, waiting to address an issue until you have reached your boiling point could only hurt your reputation and the respect you have as the leader of the organization. Avoid subtle or indirect comments regarding an employee’s performance as this indicates poor leadership skills.
5. Stay professional at all times. Avoid gossip or speaking poorly about employees to other employees, business acquaintances, or vendors. Don’t underestimate the power of the ears, weak lips, or the loyalty of those you have spoken to.
6. Compliment, reward and give credit where credit is due. A great leader lifts up their employees and acknowledges that the success of a project comes from the efforts of the team.
7. Keep your word. Be realistic and only delegate a piece of a project to yourself if you know you can keep up your end of the bargain. Do not be the reason a project fails or blame others for the failure. Lead by example by exhibiting fantastic time management skills and be willing to get your hands dirty when you are needed. Your employees will admire your work ethics and will likely be there with open arms when you are stuck in a bind.
8. Take responsibility. No one is perfect and you certainly are not exempt from making a few poor decisions or mistakes. If you make a mistake, be humble and talk about it. Your employees will be much more open to helping you find solutions if you are honest and seek their support.
9. Stick to the facts. Be sure to do research and have proof before challenging an employee’s work ethics or integrity. Consequently this will be the death of your working relationship when the accusations are proven false.
10. Lastly, steer away from micromanaging and workplace bullying to drive an employee out the door. It will only put each of you on egg shells and take up a lot of valuable time and energy that could have been spent growing your business and reaching your goals. If you are no longer satisfied with their work performance or the tension becomes unbearable, be a respectable leader by allowing them two weeks to land a more suitable position.
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