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HR HIGHS
These retention drivers keep teams together
In today’s business environment, it is a known fact that people are the best assets and cannot be moved out or moved in at will by inexperienced managers. The fact is most employees leave their jobs because they do not like the way their managers behave and function. A manager should be competent enough to create a work environment where the best and the brightest work and give the best output. So if managers can change their style they can succeed in retaining emplo
yees.
Not just tech
In an increasingly impersonal world where communication means e-mails, instant messaging or teleconferences, it can be difficult to connect to employees on a human level.
If you are a manager connecting on a human level is important, because employees will react well to a manager who not only shows some authority but also some care and concern for them. He should also display some percentage of drive, passion and zeal for what he is doing and interest in what his employees do. As a manager you are the leader of your team by virtue of your position in the organisation but having some amount of personal charisma is important if you want to inspire and lead your team more efficiently.
Inspire others
On account of your position you may be tempted to flex your ego but remember that you should not let it tempt you to grab the limelight, dominate others and push them to the background. Though your position allows you to give orders and ensure obedience, real power comes from your ability to inspire and influence others.
The new age manager should display flexibility in using management styles and dealing with problems. Blindly following straitjacket or traditional methods or going to the other extreme and following the latest management fads will only harm your credibility. You should ideally change your management style according to the problem at hand. Some situations may require you to closely supervise your team while for others you can use a long leash. While following your core values learn to use the right method when dealing with different situations and different people.
Arrive at solutions
Learn to exude optimism. Even in trying situations do not let thoughts of failure enter your employees’ heads. When faced with problems like tough competition, tougher clients or defective products, teach your team to take it in their stride. Focus on arriving at solutions rather than harp on problems. This improves morale significantly.
Leadership style
Your leadership style should empower employees and inspire them to do better. Research suggests that employees give more importance to their managers’ leadership style than other factors when it comes to their job satisfaction. This also influences their productivity levels. Remember to provide employees with:
Information: Managers think that hoarding information is their natural prerogative. In fact withholding information or releasing it in parts will prevent employees from knowing the bigger picture. Getting an overall view is important or else employees will be unaware of the end-goal of a project.
Support: Employees need the support of their managers. This support can be actively listening to their suggestions and recommendations and getting them implemented. They should get your backing to try out innovative ideas and take risks without fear of retaliation even if they fail. Such support will help bright minds to thrive and in turn benefit the organisation.
Resources: Employees should be provided the right resources to tackle problems and explore ideas. They also need to be given opportunities for achievement of individual goals.
Integrity
Another important thing is to avoid any sort of unethical behaviour because this will destroy the faith and trust your team has in you. Ethical behaviour at every level of the organisation especially at the senior level ensures that the company culture has integrity as its fundamental component.
Integrity has to extend to the company’s mission and vision and employees have to be aligned with these values. It should be reflected in the company’s product and services, the way employees interact with each other and with clients. Leadership integrity means giving clear instructions on the parameters of the task while ensuring that employees are free to seek clarifications. Employees respond well to managers who are consistent in their actions and share clarity of purpose. Besides this, you have to keep the communication lines open with employees. Pay attention to employee accountability while fulfilling your managerial responsibilities.
A manager who displays these qualities will be successful in retaining the best and brightest members in his team. Start deploying these retention drivers in your management style right now.
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HEMA SWAMINATHAN
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