Among the many things that your team members want to know about the people who lead them, four specific items consistently remain at the top of the list. Here is what research has consistently identified. Your employees want to know the answers to four questions. They are:
- Do you like me?
- Do you care about me?
- Can I trust you?
- Do you know what you are doing?
The first thing they want to know is if they are sincerely liked by the person leading or managing them. Your employees will know this from how you interact with them. Do you smile at them, make good eye contact and get and use their name? Does your tone of voice truly reflect that you like your team members?
The second thing your employees want to know about the person who leads or manages them is, does this person really care about them. A team member can sense this from the questions you ask, your tone of voice, and how interested you are in them as a person. Together all of these can demonstrate that you really do care.
The third question your team member wants answered by the person who leads or manages them, “Is this the kind of person I can trust?” Your employee knows this from your behavior. Do you do what you say you will do? Do you return their emails or phone calls in a timely manner? If you don’t, trust diminishes rapidly. A good rule of thumb is to have all phone calls and emails returned within 24 hours or less.
Finally, the fourth question your employees have for the person who is leading or managing them, “Do you really know what you are doing?” “Are you knowledgeable and competent?” Indications of these qualities are demonstrated by how familiar and experienced you are with your position. Do you say abreast of trends in the industry? Do you lead by example? Do you demonstrate fairness, honesty and good judgment? If you do well in those areas, their confidence increases in you as a leader.
In summary, to build a great team, be able to answer those four questions in the affirmative toward your team, and your department or company will soar!
Have a question for me? Call me for a free 20 minute consultation. You can call or text me at 734-812-0526 or email me at tom@tomborg.com Visit my website at: TomBorgConsulting.com
By Tom Borg © 2021 All Rights Reserved
