Your subordinates need more and more time to perform their tasks. Their lunch breaks are getting longer and they tell you more often that the things you want from them are not their job. These are typical symptoms of a loss of respect for you as a manager, which should definitely not be overlooked. The sooner you take action, the better you can prevent your customers from complaining and your people from leaving.
How can you regain the respect of your subordinates? Reward their respect for you by respecting them. Give them opportunities to learn from you. CareerBuilder.com advises starting with your appearance and clothing. Even if your company's dress code is casual, a more formal style will give you more authority. So the first recommendation is: Try to wearing a shirt instead of a T-shirt. Then try the following steps.
Improve communication and trust
Start by listening to obtain more information about running your team. Schedule regular meetings to share feedback. Encourage your people not to be afraid to think independently and overcome risks. At the same time, let them know that if they fail, you will stand up for them.
Learn how to speak and when to remain silent
Your language should be comprehensible and express respect for others. Stick to the rule of not criticizing in public. Do not disclose any of your people's personal issues in public. However, do not hesitate to praise generously and in public.
Help your people succeed
Try to be their mentor and teacher and set a good example. Share your knowledge and nurture new leaders in your team by helping them succeed. Everyone should have the opportunity to succeed regardless of whether he is your favorite employee or not.
Socialize
Do not hide in your office and do not reject invitations to participate in social events. Talk to your people in informal settings, go for a drink. Try to get to know your people better and let them get to know you.
Do not hide important information
In difficult situations, such as major changes or layoffs, try to put yourself in your subordinates' shoes. They are afraid because they do not know what is coming. You should try to keep them informed as much as possible.
If none of the above recommendations work or if you have a one or two toxic team members poisoning all the others, you will have to act even more aggressively. Explain clearly to them that this is unacceptable behavior and ask them to improve. You may be surprised how this will help you gain respect.
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