We know you want to work for a boss who is knowledgeable (doesn’t know EVERYTHING), treats everyone fairly, communicates often and is professional.
One way to ensure that happens, is to follow the golden rule yourself, “Treat others as you would want to be treated.”
Be Present and Accountable.
To yourself and your team –
Leave personal issues at the door
Be Prepared.
For your work day, for meetings, for everything that may come up
Be Honest.
Whether it’s about meeting a deadline on time or an experience
Say, “I won’t” or “I choose” rather than “I can’t” or “I have to”; replace “but” with “and” and “Help me understand”
Be Polite.
Saying “Please” and “Thank you”
Be an active listener.
– WAIT – Why Am I Talking? – We are unable to listen when we are talking
Be responsive.
Respond quickly; even if you don’t have an answer, share when you will be able to respond
Don’t gossip – Don’t start it, Don’t participate in it ----- Gossip is detrimental to your career and your organization. If you gossip about someone, others will believe you will gossip about them.
John Maxwell, the world’s expert in leadership, says, “People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.” Your attitude comes across in not just what you say, but in your body language as well.
Be aware of what messages you send, verbally and non-verbally.
Communication is a two-way street. Communicate often. Know how to best communicate with boss. Does (s)he prefer email, in-person, text messaging or does it depend on what you
are communicating. And how often? Do you have weekly briefings?
To improve communications, you might ask:
What you can Start to do?
What can you Stop doing?
What can you Continue to do?
Never ‘attack’ the person. Focus on the problem. Sandwich feedback. Share something positive, sandwiched with the negative, ending on a positive note.
Share smiles.
Smiles are contagious and you can impact someone else’s day in a positive way.
If you do everything possible to encourage a strong, positive culture in your work environment and it isn’t happening, maybe you need to consider changing your environment.