I was chatting to a new client earlier this month who asked me if there was a handbook on how to be a good employer. And I said no...but there should be!! So here it is...
Tip #1 - Don't be a dick 🍆
Not overly PC, I know. But it's how to be a good person 101. Half of being a good employer is simply being a god human. If you think you might be making a bit of a dick move...maybe change something.
Tip #2 - Be reasonable
I know I know, I say it all the time, but with good reason.
An employment tribunal will ALWAYS look at a case and consider whether the employer acted reasonably. So it's in your interest to make sure you take a measured approach to managing your team.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." – Ghandi
Tip #3 - Keep emotion out of it
This is easier said than done (and I know that from personal experience) but in order to make rational decisions, you need to be able to be aware of when your own personal emotions or ego are getting in the way of you making a sensible, reasonable, non-dickish decision.
Tip #4 - Be consistent
One thing people really hate is inconsistency. People like to know what to expect from you as their boss, so keep the mood swings to a minimum (see Tip #3) and apply the same rationale to each situation. That doesn't mean sack everyone who turns up late 3 times in a row, it means consider the same things each time: mitigating circumstances, provocation, malicious intent, length of service & previous record.
Tip #5 - Be the change you want to see
I bet when you read tip #1 you didn't think we'd be getting philosophical did you!? How many bad bosses have you had in your life? At least one I bet. Instead of being bitter about your own bad experiences, embody the boss you wish you had. Learn from bad boss mistakes and be the boss you would love to have.
Feedback hurts - but only for a while
If you really want to know the secret to being a good employer - ask your employees what they think makes a good boss. Ask them what you could do better. Your ego won't like it, but you'll be grateful for a better awareness of what people really like about your management style.
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And feel free to comment with what you have learned about management from bad boss experiences!
Shona x
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