One of the biggest mistakes an employer can make is thinking that just because they own the business that all of the people they hire to work for them should respect them because they are the business owner. Listed below are six good tips on what you can do to earn respect from your employees.
1. Respect just doesn’t happen because you are the employer. You must realize that you are a human like your employees and have strengths and faults like they do. By not allowing yourself to think more highly of who you are because you own the business, you will be able to relate to your employees on a more level playing field and they will respond to you better.
2. Understand that respect is a two-way street. In order for you to get it, you must (with a capital “M”) give it to your employees. Take the first steps from the beginning to show them respect for who they are as fellow human beings.
3. Employees have real value and they are not just there to to a job. Their input and opinions must be listened to and taken into consideration. Try to run your business without them, where would you be?
4. Employers need to “jump in the trenches” every now and then with their employees and work together with them side-by-side on a task or project. Working together builds bonds especially when each person is an equal. Employees enjoy working with their “bosses” when there is a common goal to be accomplished. And don’t forget to celebrate when the project is finished! A bit of socializing is really good mortar in building strong relationships.
5. Take an interest in your employees. Know their full names, if they married, know their spouse’s and children’s names. Know what they like to do for fun and what their special interests are. Take a few minutes each week to make face-to-face contact with them and catch up on what is going on in their life.
6. Most importantly above all, be true to your words. If you expect a certain standard to be kept by your employees, make sure you are also keeping the same standard for yourself. Lead by your actions and walk the talk. Remember you are the leader and your employees are watching you. Be a leader that they can respect.
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