Little Hitlers

Are you a tyrant? By the Count De La Perrelle - Cognitive Business Therapist

During the past months, whilst I have been researching and writing these columns, I have come across quite a few ‘little Hitler’s’ who seem to think that everything they do in their business is down to them alone and that the whole place would collapse if they were not there to control the situation. What a load of rubbish!!!

The idea that the boss is the only one capable of running and organising any business is out of the Ark! If you are running a solid business and have selected the correct staff who help to assist you with whatever your business is, then the professionals who are working for you should, if you have selected them properly, be able to cope with whatever they have to do.

Being a boss actually means being able to organise your fellow workers in such a way as to enable them to be able to run things in your absence, thereby letting you get on with the job of marketing and furthering your own personal business ideas. You will have failed if you do not have a team working with you! If you insist that people only work for you and not with you then you are on a hiding to nothing. Being in business today has to be a team effort.

If you allow employees to feel that they are all working for the same ends and are involved with the business, then you will quickly find out that they are far more enthusiastic and motivated enabling them to make their own decisions about their work.

This employee involvement, teambuilding approach, and employee empowerment increases loyalty and fosters ownership. People in every workplace talk about building the team, working as a team, and my team, but few understand how to create the experience of team work or how to develop an effective team.

Teamwork means creating a friendly work culture that values collaboration in all sections of the business. In a teamwork environment, people understand and believe that thinking, planning, decisions and actions are better when done cooperatively. Remember, “none of us is as good as all of us.”

Also do not retain a member of the team just because they are good at their job if they are not good at interaction with other members of staff. This attitude could set them apart from the team. Leadership style is often personal and based on your own previous experience. Be careful not to let your own negative issues from past experiences control the way you organise your team.

Your leadership style depends on the task, the team or individual’s capabilities and knowledge. Employee involvement is creating an environment in which people have an impact on decisions and actions that affect their jobs. Allow all departments to have knowledge and interaction with each other thereby furthering the single aim of the business.

Here are a few Don’ts for you to consider. Don’t take credit for your employees’ ideas or hog their limelight. This not only fosters resentment but can also make you seem untrustworthy. Always give credit when it’s due!

Don’t make your employees come in on days they’re normally not scheduled to work or call them while they’re on holiday. Employees will certainly become resentful if you invade their personal time for nonpressing work. Unless there is something pressing or urgent then let time away from work stay that way.

Don’t play favorites. Playing favorites can impair your leadership and judgment abilities. Treat employees equally. Don’t micromanage.

While it’s fine to keep up with what your employees are working on, don’t constantly look over their shoulders.

Don’t interfere with employees’ work. If your employees are getting work done, don’t stress about how it gets done. Even if it’s not being done the way you’d do it, it’s best to let employees use their best judgment.

Don’t push unreasonable deadlines. You don’t want to spend all of your time at the office, and neither do your employees.

Don’t forget to keep your promises. You should always keep promises you make to employees, especially about pay and benefits.

Don’t require employees to run your personal errands. Keep work about work. Take care of your own personal business or hire an assistant.

Don’t forget to reward hard work. Make sure your employees feel valued for the work that they do. Employees will be more willing to put in extra effort if they know it’s noted and appreciated.

Don’t forget to provide motivation. Sometimes employees need a morale boost. Provide them with encouragement to get a project rolling. Remember this is the 21st century.

If you are a capable business person then you should be able to bring yourself into the modern day and enjoy a successful business. If not then maybe it’s time to get out!