Are Your Leadership Skills Meeting Expectations?
Underperforming, stealing supplies, misuse of vacation time, neglecting company policy and high number of errors. All reasons employees may find their way to the “chopping block” of the HR department. To those that witness these departures the message is very clear: when you don’t meet expectations there are consequences. None of us are guaranteed we’ll be at work tomorrow.
However, when a valued member of the staff leaves the company is the message as clear to the leaders of the organization? When leaders don’t meet expectations there are consequences. None of us are guaranteed our valued employees will be at work tomorrow.
Ask yourself ‘what does my staff expect of me?’ Do you live up to their expectations, or are they considering employment opportunities for a company/boss that will? Review the basics and assess how you think you’re measuring up. Honesty, trust, open communication, clear goals, achievement based recognition, opportunities and a team environment are a great place to start.
“You can’t lead anyone further than you’ve gone yourself.”
When you have an employee that you can no longer lead through your knowledge of the subject open doors so they can continue to grow, then lead them in applying that knowledge to your company’s goals. Be comfortable with being the strategic thinker rather than knowing all the technical details. Rely on your staff to be the experts and have the kind of relationship where they can teach you. They’ll be amazed as they watch you bring it to the next level.
“Never mistake a clear view for a short distance.”
Water cooler conversations and morning pleasantries don’t necessarily mean all is well on the home front. If your highly motivated, go-getter employee is meeting deadlines on time and delivering exactly what was expected of them… they’re not happy! This employee should be devouring deadlines, exceeding expectations and knocking your door down with new ideas regularly. If someone that used to be excited about their job is now running closer to average in performance, you’re mistaking a clear view for a short distance.
“One day Alice came to a fork in the road and saw a Cheshire cat in a tree. ‘Which road do I take?’ she asked. ‘Where do you want to go?’ was his response. ‘I don’t’ know,’ Alice answered. ‘Then,’ said the cat, ‘It doesn’t matter.’” – Alice in Wonderland
Although bottom line company and department goals may be clearly documented, there are many different ways to achieve successful results. Is everyone on the same page when it comes to reaching the outlined objectives? If everyone on your team isn’t traveling down the same road the path to success becomes unclear. Communication is the key.
It is easier to recognize when the fault of a lost employee belongs to them. Be sure you’re taking the right steps to ensure the fault of losing a great employee doesn’t belong to you.
