Today’s multigenerational workforce needs this kind of leader

by Janice Allen
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Opinions expressed by businesskinda.com contributors are their own.

The workplace continues to evolve into a more collaborative, ethical and trusted place for employees. Leaders need to become equally diligent in earning respect from peers. Many workplace leaders feel that they deserve intrinsic respect from employees simply because of their position of authority. However, this thought process has led to serious problems in the workplace.

The new generation of employees expect a culture where they are respected, nurtured and given the opportunity to grow. If this expectation is not met, sales will skyrocket and the company will experience a severe drop in productivity.

Natural leaders want to be liked by their employees. Some leaders who take that approach face confusion and hesitation about their process. Yet these leaders enjoy a much higher retention rate than leaders who do not share the same care and consideration for their employees. Leaders can easily earn their respect by caring for employees and their families. Consider a few ways you can earn the respect of your employees.

Related: Leading a Multi-Generational Workforce in the New Normal?

Set a good example

The best leaders set a good example for their employees. This includes how hard you work, the effort you put into your job, how you contribute to the team in general. While you may need to step up your team and lead in a more direct way when the project calls for it, most of the time you need to lead from the team and work with them.

Plus, giving the respect your employees deserve is a great way to lead by example. By treating your employees fairly, you show how much you value them. Listening to and addressing any issues or challenges they face are also great ways to show your respect for them. If you treat your team well, they will respect you in turn.

Make consistency a priority

Respected leaders understand the importance of consistency. Do not change your leadership style from day to day. Set reasonable expectations for your employees. They need to know how to deal with problems and what to expect if one arises. Build trust through consistency.

Admit to your mistakes

If you make a mistake, admit it. The best leaders possess their humanity and are not afraid to admit it to their employees. When you admit your mistakes and do what you can to correct them, your employees will respect you for them.

Related: 3 Ways Owning Your Flaws Will Make You Powerful

Get employees’ opinions and stick to your decisions

The best leaders need to strike a balance between being pushovers who disrespect their employees and respecting their employees’ opinions. Your openness to your employee’s views shows that you’re willing to put the best ideas first, no matter who came up with them. Be determined yet flexible, and your employees will respect you more.

Honor your team

Find out how your employees like to be recognized and then reward them. A reward is a powerful way to show your respect for your team, and finding out how they prefer to be rewarded will increase their respect for you even more.

Listen to feedback

Employees are naturally suspicious of giving feedback about your leadership style, so it’s up to you to seek feedback and listen. Employee feedback should be planned, ask direct questions and address concerns carefully. This process builds respect between you and your team.

Avoid micromanagement

It’s important to delegate tasks and trust your employees to complete them. The key to gaining the respect of your employees is to trust them. Of course, be sure to build trust by letting your team know you’re available if they need support, but avoid standing over their shoulder all the time.

Related: Micromanagement Is Murder: So Stop Killing Your Employees

Build relationships

Don’t just tell your employees that you are there for them. Show them. When a problem arises, you should take the blame for the problem instead of blaming your employees. At the same time, if you get praise for a project, share it with your team. A reciprocal back and forth helps you build relationships with your employees. You can strengthen this relationship by asking them about their interests, hobbies, and life outside of work. Expressing personal interests helps build trust to show that they are valuable to you.

Invest in benefits for your team

Employers are in a unique position to make a difference in the lives of their employees by providing quality benefits. Do your research, find the most in-demand benefits available to your team, then invest in them.

Encourage your employees

Starting a new career or starting a new job can be stressful. Giving constructive feedback and encouragement to your team can help them gain confidence and know how to do their jobs. Plus, being transparent about what employees can expect at your company improves their experience with your company.

Avoid making the teacher’s pets

Playing favorite in the office is a dangerous game. Instead, show your employees the same level of support, including how to give assignments and perks. Once employees see that you’re not a favorite and that your office is a level playing field, they’ll feel even more confident in you.

Related: 6 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Be Better Teachers

Minimize Stress

Reduce the stress your team members feel in a number of ways. First, look for ways to create a more peaceful work environment by extending deadlines or giving them extra support where possible. Second, you can invest in mental health to ensure your employees have the resources to reduce stress.

Developing leadership skills for a new generation

You don’t have to agree with every opinion in this article, but you should ask yourself how your leadership role fits the expectations of the new generation of employees. Simply working on your listening and communication skills will have a powerful effect on your team. Put your employees at the heart of your business and watch it flourish.

Even small adjustments make your company more attractive to work, reducing turnover ratios. Keep your business on the right track by becoming the leader your employees deserve.

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