TAKE CARE – I am still learning

Connect with staff- As a leader you should be seen. Make your presence felt. Don’t just lock yourself in your office whole day and only communicate with staff when you want something done. Get to know your employees. Find out about their interests.

·       Show employees that you genuinely care. If an employee is dealing with an issue whether personally or professionally, show Empathy.

·       Advocate for your team. Stand up for them. Don’t throw your people under the bus when things go wrong.

·       Practice Open and Honest Two-way Communication. Keep employees informed. Don’t let them have to be hear of upcoming changes through the grapevine.

·       Listening to employees - Have an atmosphere where employees ideas and suggestions are valued. Don’t have surveys and suggestion boxes then when feedback is given, you simply ignore it.

·       Be fair and neutral. Treat everyone fairly. Don’t pick favorites. Lead by example. Be known as a person of integrity.

·       Empower Employees. Provide them with the proper tools, then give them room to get the job done. Don’t micromanage!

·       Reward and Recognition- Offer Alternatives:  tell employees how much you value and appreciate them. Always reward staff for good work, and not only top performers include those who are improving or doing their best. Be generous with "Thank You’s."

·       Recommend employees for training and new opportunities. Staff members can interpret an employer’s unwillingness to invest in training as a disregard for their professional development. Acknowledge and encourage strengths, recognize the different skills they possess and recommend training and development opportunities.