This text is based on an article on the Harvard Business Review website.
Meet regularly
Regular review meetings are the foundation of a friendly relationship between subordinate and supervisor. As a manager, you should have a vested interest in knowing what is going on in the lives and work of subordinates, so you should set up regular meetings with all of them.
Make time
When a subordinate comes to you wanting to discuss something, you should make this meeting a priority. This does not mean you have to address the matter immediately and promptly, but it does mean, for example, booking a meeting with the subordinate in the near future which you will not repeatedly postpone.
Appreciate sincere efforts
Have you noticed a subordinate tried something new, stepping outside their comfort zone, going above and beyond their work duties, or making the effort to be innovative? Appreciate this explicitly.
Give honest, detailed and thoughtful feedback
The best way to express respect for a subordinate's work is making the effort to give them honest, thoughtful and genuinely constructive feedback. Unfortunately, many managers will give the feedback process short shrift with a vague, catch-all statement which does not really tell the employee very much.
Mention new opportunities within the company
Has an opportunity arisen for additional training? Has a project appeared within the company that fits the direction the subordinate wants to take? Is there any internal training happening that might be of interest to a subordinate? Then be sure to let the individual know. Be aware of subordinates' requirements and wishes, and try to link these to what the company offers.
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