Manager Series: Growing employees and teams
A study from Gallup found that managers account for at least 70% of the variance in employee engagement scores across businesses, indicating that the root of performance variability lies within human nature itself. Every team is unique and comprised of individuals with different needs when it comes to morale, motivation, and clarity—all of which lead to varying degrees of performance—something great managers have the power to optimize.
In part two of my Manager Series, I’d like to discuss four foundational practices that help encourage and empower employees to perform at their highest levels, feel happier at work, and want to stay with their company longer. Let’s dive in!
Managers play a pivotal role in growing and engaging employees. Providing growth opportunities, offering regular feedback and recognition, encouraging employees to give feedback, creating a positive work environment, and championing the importance of work-life balance are all tactics that can boost employee engagement and contribute to overall business success.
Ask the Right Questions
“The wisdom from front-line employees should be considered invaluable in your continuous improvement efforts.”
- Suze Orman, Personal Finance Expert
To effectively engage employees, it's essential to ask the right questions to better understand their needs, aspirations, and areas for development. These insights can then inform decisions about how to address particular employee concerns and encourage professional growth and development.
Questions to ask:
What motivates you?
What do you need to feel supported and empowered in your role?
Provide Growth Opportunities
“Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.”
- Dwight D. Eisenhower
According to a survey conducted by Robert Half, 57% of surveyed workers would leave their current job for an opportunity to learn new skills or gain professional growth opportunities. As a manager, it’s essential to provide training and skill development opportunities that align with the employee’s goals and aspirations. Encourage your employees to attend conferences, workshops and seminars, enroll in development programs, and offer mentorship opportunities. By doing so, you're not only empowering your employees to reach their full potential but also reinforcing their commitment to the organization.
Questions to ask:
What are your career goals?
How can I help you achieve them within and external to this organization?
Offer Regular Feedback and Recognition
“Corporate culture is the only sustainable competitive advantage that is completely within the control of the entrepreneur.”
- David Cummings, Co-founder of Pardot
A survey by Harvard Business Review found that 72% of employees felt they didn't get enough feedback from their superiors, which negatively impacted their job satisfaction and performance. As a manager, make sure to provide regular feedback on your employees’ work, let them know when they’re doing a great job, and offer constructive feedback when necessary to create a culture of appreciation and recognition.
Questions to ask:
What’s the most effective way for me to share feedback with you?
What’s one area you’re focused on improving that I can help with through ongoing feedback and recognition?
Create a Positive Work Environment
“Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first.”
- Simon Sinek, Motivational Speaker and Author
According to a survey by Glassdoor, company culture is the #1 factor impacting job satisfaction so a positive work environment is essential for employee engagement. As a manager, it’s important to encourage work-life balance and to create a culture that values the importance of having a life outside of work. Provide your employees with flexible working schedules, offer wellness programs, and encourage them to take time off.
Questions to ask:
How can you create a positive work environment, both physically and socially?
What company culture or values can you implement to promote positivity and support?
Growing, engaging, and managing employees are important skills that can be honed and developed. Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned leader looking for a refresher, I’d love to help you tap into your unique style and cultivate your managerial skills.