I remember one of my first jobs. I self-employed myself and sold items made out of duct tape on the playground. I only had one competitor. Seriously, I had a duct tape item competitor in elementary school. Except, she had an advantage, she had an employee. I’m pretty sure her mom helped her make items.
I had a few more self endeavors after that.
My first official job was bussing tables at fifteen. Twenty-three days after turning fifteen to be exact. Shortly after, I got a second job and worked both while in high school.
As I’ve grown up and have gotten more “professional jobs” I look back and reflect on all the jobs that have gotten me to where I am at today.
I’ve worked in different departments in business. Anywhere from retail, manufacturing, to non-profits. Each job gave me valuable insight.
I thoroughly enjoy how vast business is. I enjoyed it so much, I studied business because I knew how diverse it could be. While in classes at college, I remember classes that focused on the ability to lead. Leading others is no easy feat. There is a lot to take into consideration.
Although I have not ever had direct reports under me, I have used my time observing, listening, studying, and discussing with others what it means to be a leader. Below are just a handful of the topics that I have reflected on in different ways.
1.) Value your employees
There’s a common saying of “if there is a bad apple, it ruins the bunch.” I think it’s easy for some people to try and take control- too much control. They expect results, but they are actually the bad apple ruining the bunch. It’s like telling someone to breath underwater while expecting them to live. It makes employees feel like they are drowning when they aren’t acknowledged or are treated like a rotated number.
What does this create? Resentment and lack of respect. How can one expect respect when they are constantly creating an unstable environment and are power tripping?
If a leader or business as a whole expects results- they must first give trust to their employee and ensure there are attainable guidelines in place. Results won’t happen when employees feel suffocated or not appreciated.
2.) Boundaries as a Leader
Sure. A leader is above the employee. But the first thing a leader should realize- even though they hold more say than their direct reports- they are there to make their direct reports’ lives a little bit easier. Now, I’m not saying hand-holding. I’m saying that if there is a customer on the phone or over email that needs a manager- they are there to assist and help diffuse the situation. They are not there to yell at their employee after of what they may or may not have done right. They have to trust their employee knows what they’re doing. If there is a learning experience in it- then both can talk it out and learn from it.
3.) Don’t expect your employees to train their boss
When someone is hired into a management position, they should be quick and competent enough to be a quick learner. Sure- the occasional question to their direct reports- but in my opinion- a business should not rely on an employee to train their manager. Why? Because if an employee is tasked to reach goals given- answering multiple questions throughout the day is going to get them sidelined and frustrated. And who will they vent to about this? No one because they are training their manager.
It is important to really evaluate those that are going to lead critical teams within a business.
4.) Look for employees’ strengths
Encouraging your employees to branch out is such a good way to boost new ideas within a department. But- to do this- an employer must put 100% trust into this individual and not have others working against them. Competition within a business is sometimes good- but not if it is passive aggressive or hostile.
5.) Secrets kill productivity
Being secretive about things that have or have not occurred really drags the vibe down in business. Sure- there is some business information that needs to stay confidential. But- if there is an ongoing problem within a business, it is management’s responsibility to address it to staff. An organization can’t pull a weed and leave the root and expect the atmosphere to get better. It’s going to just keep coming back.
These are just five of the best business practices I believe are important within a business. I have many more, but I wanted to write a blog- not a book about it.
It is vital that businesses are healthy before doing business with others. I am a very firm believer that good business starts from the top down. Good business happens when there are boundaries and a healthy understanding of expectations for results. I value the knowledge I have gained working in multiple different places of business. Each have given me valuable insight on who I want to be as a business woman in the field today.
Danae Decker 