Effective leadership can make or break a company. When a company finds a good leader, everything and everyone underneath it falls into place. People work harder and stay engaged with their work, meaning that productivity, efficiency, and innovation all improve. But when the leader at the helm struggles, the company can become characterized by disengagement, resentment, disinterest, and high turnover. Here are common leadership challenges in the office.
Lack of communication
As a manager, you have to be able to communicate effectively and clearly with the people around you. Find a way to check in with individuals and with your whole team frequently. This might mean weekly emails to everyone or face-to-face meetings. You need to convey the goals, mission, and vision, and you need to be able to receive feedback. Two-way conversations allow your employees to share their opinions and ideas and expectations and make sure you all stay on the same page.
Handling of change
Change is inevitable, especially at the rate that technology improves and evolves. When change happens, it’s your responsibility to lead everyone through it. It starts with communicating a consistent message, preparing everyone, implementing the change, and inspiring or convincing everyone to accept the change. It’s essential to convey the message that change is an opportunity and the start of something new, not a finale.
Conflict resolution
Even the healthiest of company cultures experience drama and conflict from time to time. And if they’re not careful, managers and leaders can sometimes make it worse, decimating morale and organizational productivity. Establish a formal conflict resolution process to maintain fairness. Empathize with all involved parties while still hearing both sides of the story and holding everyone accountable.
Opportunities for career advancement
Leaders have the future and well-being of their organization in mind, but just as important is the health and development of individual employees. Invest in their futures with professional development and assure them that there are opportunities in your company to advance their careers. If they don’t have the chance to grow and improve upon their skills and talents, they’ll grow frustrated and are likely to leave your company.
Changing of the guard
And in workplaces across the country, Generation Z is starting to move into the workforce. They’re different from Millennials in a lot of ways, so it will take time for leaders to get used to their style. Communicate your expectations to them and be patient with them as they learn, but be certain that they’re willing to work hard, and they want to be successful.
Find the right talent
At SSi People Staffing, we pride ourselves in providing staff augmentation services to all our customers. For help finding the right employees to make up your team, contact us today.
