Maria Gonzalez, the CEO of ClubFitness Greensboro, shares leadership resolutions to lead your team.
Looking ahead, we must continue to find ways to motivate and inspire our teams. It’s time to look at new ways to boost the culture of our organizations.
Here are a few steps to take in the new year to better serve your team:
1. Find ways to make your team feel recognized: A study by Great Place to Work found feeling recognized is the top motivator for employees to do a great job. Employees who feel valued by their leader will be motivated, encouraged and empowered, which leads to higher employee engagement and improved retention. When showing appreciation, ensure to tailor it to individual employees.
2. Provide a healthy work-life balance environment: Now more than ever, we need to give our staff and ourselves space to rest, recharge and recover. Check in frequently with your team and learn how to read the signs of stress and burnout. A study on the state of flexibility in the U.S. workforce by Werk shows the need for a flexible workplace, so when possible, allow them the time off for personal care, to care for a sick child or elderly parent, to attend a family event, or to go on vacation.
3. Be an active listener: Build a culture where staff feel encouraged to speak out and share ideas. Make sure to pay attention and limit distractions when listening. Be open to new ideas, perspectives and opportunities to understand before being understood.
4. Create and cultivate a culture of respect. Be the one leading your team with impartiality and respect. Build an environment of trust, compromise and fairness. Set clear expectations for workplace culture and behavior, and recognize and value each individual on your team. Help your team embrace their talents and gifts.
These basic steps will help you and your staff prioritize employee engagement, which leads to happier employees, increased productivity and overall, better business outcomes.
As Doug Connant said, “To win in the marketplace, you must first win in the workplace.”
