.png)
As a manager, you find yourself in an important position to influence the success of your team and organization. Recent research has shown that a lack of effective leadership is the driving force behind many employees' decision to seek employment elsewhere (De Roo, 2023).
Investing time in your employees
Leadership is much more than just the annual performance review. It is a continuous commitment to guide, inspire, and support your team. Investing time in your employees is important and goes beyond merely evaluating performance. But what makes it so important?
In today's rapidly changing job market and the growing emphasis on employee engagement, it is essential to fully utilize the potential of your employees. Employees want to feel valued, and the sense of recognition and support comes from regular interactions and guidance from their leaders. In other words, by investing time in them, precisely!
What does investing more time in employees involve?
To invest more time in your employees, start by having regular one-on-one meetings. This means not just once every six months but more frequently. Listen to their concerns, ideas, and ambitions, as these can change over time. Focus not only on work performance but also on a personal level. Show interest in their development, assist in setting goals, and provide the necessary resources and support to achieve these goals.
As mentioned earlier, employees want to feel appreciated and recognized for their efforts. Take a moment regularly to let your team members know that you see them. Give a sincere compliment and continue to show appreciation for the effort made, even if the results are different than hoped.
What is an open communication culture?
It is also important to create an open and inclusive culture within your team. This means that employees feel free to express their thoughts and concerns, even if they are not always positive. This brings us to the importance of a culture where all matters can be discussed, even when things are not going well.
Creating an open communication culture begins with showing empathy and understanding your team's needs. Encourage open communication, be open to feedback, and proactively address issues. This builds trust and ensures that employees feel safe to share their concerns without fear of job consequences. This way, you stay informed, employees feel heard, and you know how to support them.
What is the essence of good leadership?
Good leadership goes beyond making decisions and delegating tasks. It involves inspiring your team, facilitating growth, demonstrating integrity, and showing commitment to the individual and collective success stories of your team members. It is about creating an environment where talent is encouraged, valued, and retained.
Conclusion
In short, an investment in improving leadership is an investment in talent retention. It is the key to a resilient and productive team. So, managers, it is up to you to invest in your own growth and that of your team. You will not only increase the satisfaction of your employees but also promote the success of your organization. What will you invest more time in first?
