Being responsible for organizing and mediating a team of staff can be a challenging task. With many different individuals and some clashing personalities, resolving grievances from staff is a common part of HR and other managerial roles. However, it is necessary to do this as every employee should feel safe and respected in the workplace. Here are a few tips on how to navigate your way through the ups and downs of employee management.
1. Listen
Firstly, you must actively listen to the issues that are brought to you from members of staff. If someone is upset about a colleague’s behavior, you need to take note of everything that has been said. This will help when it comes to confronting the other person involved, and ensure that there is no room for miscommunication. Once you have heard both sides of the story, you can begin to develop a practical solution to the problem. Furthermore, if an employee is dealing with a personal crisis, listening intently and with compassion is important. You need to fully understand what their needs are during this time, and they need to feel as though you are being supportive.
2. Be Fair, but Firm
Ruling over the office with an iron-fist is sure to result in a lack of respect and loyalty from your employees. It also creates low-morale and a toxic working environment. Your staff members should have your respect as much as you should have theirs. This is why it is important to be fair when dealing with conflicts, offering constructive criticism, and reasonable solutions. However, be wary that you’re not going too easy on them, either. If people think you’re a push-over, this could result in some individuals taking liberties in the work-place.
3. Organization
Part of managing a team will be organizing their shifts, holidays, and keeping a record of absences. This will require good time management and general organizational skills from you. To help with this aspect of the job, consider using some HCM software like the ones suggested by People Managing People. These systems will help keep a reliable record of staff files and make it easier for you to keep track of this information.
4. Patience
At times, managing a team of staff will be stressful and overwhelming. Office squabbles and politics can become exhausting to deal with, but nonetheless, you must maintain your patience. Losing your cool at your team members is unprofessional and could lead to a loss of respect. As a member of the management team, you must lead by example. If you’re finding yourself struggling, remove yourself from the situation and take five minutes to calm yourself down before returning.
5. Communication Skills
Knowing how to phrase your verbal communication and written correspondence diplomatically is important in these situations. Having poor communication skills will lead to confusion, frustration, and further grievances. You must be able to convey the correct tone of voice in order to make your intentions clear and to avoid any further tensions from rising.
It’s a tough job, but if you keep these 5 things in mind, it might make it easier for you to manage.
