Winter is the perfect time of year to reflect on and refocus your people management skills. It’s easy to get caught up in your day-to-day tasks and become complacent with your management style throughout the year, especially when you have your own projects to complete.
So, if it’s time for a refresh, here are 7 keys to effective people management you can incorporate into your daily interactions. How to reset & refocus your people management skills this winter.
Communicate clearly What they say is true, when it comes to any relationship, communication is key. Clear, honest, and open communication can go a long way in the workplace. Christine LaSalle, Director of Operations at Hudson Collective, knows a thing or two about people and project management.
According to Christine, “Clear communication is so important when managing a team. That way, they know what the expectations are, and you provide them with the information needed to do what they need to do.”
When you communicate clearly, your employees will know exactly what’s expected of them, and they’ll feel confident coming to you with any questions or issues.
Listen actively
When your employees do give you feedback or choose to come to you with issues, it’s important that you’re actively listening to them. Put down whatever you’re working on and focus completely on what they’re telling you.
To take a more proactive approach, Lara Galloway, Senior Vice President of Channel Management at White Glove advises that asking big questions allows you the space to actively listen to your team. Laura says, “By asking your team powerful questions in 1 on 1 meetings, you get a chance to learn more about what’s happening in their lives and what motivates them. And by listening when they respond, you show respect and deepen trust. When you earn their trust, they WANT to do their best for you. They’ll also tell you what they need from you as their leader.”
Lead by example
When you’re in a management position, your team will follow your lead, so model the behavior that you want to see. If you’re stressed and agitated, your employees will become stressed and agitated. If you’re glued to your desk, then your team will think they need to be as well, and no one benefits from round the clock work. Take breaks, and take it one step at a time.
Be creative
When it comes to problem solving, it’s okay to think outside of the box. Take your team’s strengths into consideration and get creative. Just because something has always been done one way, doesn’t mean that’s the only way to do it.
Set goals
At the beginning of a quarter, or when you and your team are starting a new project, it’s always helpful to set reachable goals together. Sit down as a team and decide when things need to be completed and how much flexibility is available. People tend to be more productive when they’re striving toward an attainable goal.
Celebrate wins
When you do reach those goals, celebrate! Words of encouragement and praise can go a long way. If it’s a bigger goal, involve the entire team and reward them for a job well done. People are better, happier employees when they feel like their hard work is appreciated.
Have trust
And last but not least, trust your people. As a manager, trusting your employees and giving them space to complete their assignments is critical. Your trust will encourage confidence. Be sure to offer flexibility and don’t micromanage, even under a deadline. If an employee needs a walk or a break to come up with a solution, grant them the space to do so and trust they’ll complete their task on time.
Managing people is not always easy. It takes constant reflection and adjustment to ensure that your team is getting what they need from you. By implementing these seven concepts into your management skills, you’ll be setting you and your team up for success this season.
Nicole Hudson is the Founder of Hudson Collective, an integrated digital strategy and communications firm creating social impact by activating their communities through branding, storytelling, and expanding their engagement with a robust online presence. Hudson’s strategies are driven to deliver compelling messages and a suite of business tactics that engage, inform and influence audiences to action that creates lasting impact.
