BOSSES: START BEING OKAY WITH BEING WRONG
Being the boss doesn’t automatically mean being right all the time. Shocker?
This isn’t to say you need to give up your position or hand in your notice, but this is to say it’s time to be a bit humbler.
I published a blog recently about becoming a better leader, and one of my points were about encouraging contributions:
“It’s your business, it’s your department, it’s your team – we get it. But have you ever thought that one brain isn’t enough? Giving people freedom to contribute doesn’t mean letting go of your title as a leader. In fact, it makes you a more respected and valued leader.”
If you allow contributions, this means admitting you can be wrong – or someone else can be ‘more right’. In the end, it benefits you and your employees… keep reading to find out how.
OPEN YOURSELF TO NEW IDEAS
Like I mentioned before, have you ever thought one brain isn’t enough?
You may have loads of ideas for your business or future projects that you feel a bit protective over – I get that. But you never know what else your team could bring to the table that could enhance your ideas even further.
Fearing that someone has better ideas than you is you being more cautious about being wrong than actually succeeding. Collaboration is key for success, so much so that 86% of those in leadership positions blame the lack of it as the top reason for workplace failures (Zippia).
Start to put trust in those around you. It takes the pressure off of you, whilst you discover some amazing ideas in the process.
AVOID MISTAKES
This is the obvious one. Just because you’re the boss, doesn’t mean you’re invincible.
Whether the mistake was a typo or a terrible business move that could send your company into liquidation, with extra input, you could avoid it.
Not to mention, the less approachable you make yourself, the less likely your employees will be to give you the heads up when you make a mistake. Being easily offended or standoffish can lead to brash decisions that you may regret later.
MAKE YOUR EMPLOYEES FEEL VALUED
This is where your employees benefit from your humility.
Imagine being in a company where you feel fearful to approach your boss, even when you have great ideas and pure intentions to help benefit the company. That would make you feel quite underappreciated, right? Well, this may be how your employees feel.
Displaying true authenticity at work, let’s everyone know your human. It creates a collaborative environment where people want to support your vision, and you appreciate the support they give. Having a strong relationship with your employees is crucial to keep turnover low, and performance high… but employee relationships can never be high when they feel like their opinions mean nothing to you.
And don’t worry, giving people freedom to contribute doesn’t mean letting go of your title as a leader. In fact, it makes you a more respected and valued leader.
- Written by Oliver Howson
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