When a small business owner sees another company with great employees, he or she may just assume that the other business owner is simply lucky. However, if he or she takes time to talk to these model employees, they will probably all mention their amazing boss and his or her effect on their careers at some point in the conversation. Effective leadership makes great employees.
A good boss sets standards, expects the standards to be met, shows that meeting those standards is possible by example and then gets out of the employees' way so that they can strive to meet the standards. He or she stands by to offer advice when it is necessary instead of taking over a task that an employee is trying to complete. A good boss sets employees up to succeed.
Demonstrate Faith in Employee Abilities
When someone mentors employees, it can be tough to step back and let them make mistakes. However, people learn from those mistakes. When an employer doesn't believe employees are up to a task and takes over instead of allowing them to keep trying, he or she makes employees feel as though they aren't competent. As this pattern of taking over tasks continues, employees will eventually become so discouraged that they stop trying to learn and grow.
Someone who has good management skills knows to give an employee a task, offer examples of completed work and ask if he or she has any questions. Then, he or she will step back and allow the employee to finish the task. There is nothing wrong with a quick check in after a few minutes, but keep it low key. A simple, "How's it going? Any questions?" as an employer walks by the desk demonstrates faith in an employee's abilities. Avoid grilling the employee and don't use statements such as "That's not the way to do it," or "That's all wrong," simply because the employee's way of approaching the task is a bit different. Of course, if the employee is adding two plus two and getting five, the task may not be within his or her skill set. In this case, the employer should assign a task that the employee actually is able to do.
Give Employees a Chance to Shine
It can be tough to hand over an assignment that will make the person doing it a star. Returning an item a customer has misplaced, giving a presentation at a local school, or other fun projects can be a real confidence booster. Sometimes, even if it isn't as fun, a true mentor will send a fairly reliable employee who just needs a little push off to do that fun job while he or she minds the store or stocks shelves.
Employee recognition for a job well done and giving credit for a great idea that an employee had are also important ways to help employees shine.
Finally, keep in mind that mentoring employees isn't always easy. As small business owners strive to become better mentors and employers, they should be careful not to step over the line into friendship. While it is important to support employees and to treat them with respect, it is also important for them to respect their employers.
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