With the recent events of Covid, it seems that all kinds of businesses are losing good employees. When a business loses an employee, it seems all chaos breaks loose. Eventually, there will be an employee turnover. Employee turnover can happen for several reasons. Employees can feel many emotions in a workplace including, frustration, worry, anger, or even insecurity. Studies show that the #1 reason why employees move on to another job is due to management and their boss. 75% of people leave their job due to their boss and not the actual job itself. So this poses the question, are you a boss or a leader?
Being in charge of a team does not mean that you are a leader. Losing several employees can have a dramatic effect on productivity and a lot of times employees tend to follow one another after one leaves. When it comes to management, there are a lot of qualities that will make the employer leave. Some of these reasons include placing people in the wrong positions, assigning boring tasks, setting incapable goals, or even the environment of the workplace. There are different ways to effectively lead a team. There is a difference between a boss and a leader. Differentiating between the two can be a hard task, it takes motivation and commitment to really learn the difference between the two.
Traits of a Boss:
Intimidates
A boss likes the feeling of control. They will do anything in their power to let you know that they are in charge.
Watches
Nothing gets past a boss. He/she watches every move and if there is a mistake, the employee gets scolded for it. When there is poor performance, there are threats being made.
Talks
A boss seems to talk more than listen. A boss seems to focus on their own lives rather than impacting the lives of others.
Demands Results
A boss demands results. “I need you to do this.” “You should get this done by Wednesday.” When there are demands in order, there are no questions asked by the employee. The tasks will be accomplished or else there will be consequences.
Puts Blame on Others
A boss will put the blame on others. He/she will not take responsibility for his/her actions.
Traits of a Good Leader:
Inspire
Instead of wanting the feeling of control, a leader does everything in their power to inspire their employees. He/she helps recognize weaknesses and helps his/her employees turn them into strengths.
Teach
A leader teaches their employees. He/she makes sure that the employees are left with adequate training. When a mistake is made, there is no criticism, a leader takes this opportunity as a teaching moment.
Listen
A leader listens. They take value into his/her employees. A leader listens to his/her employees and does everything in their power to help them achieve their goals.
Inspires Performance
A leader takes charge in taking their employees to great rates of success. A leader demonstrates good qualities that an employee should follow that will give passion, purpose, and meaning to their role.
Takes Responsibility
A leader takes responsibility for their actions. They do not blame others. A leader is well aware of who is to blame and what is going on in situations that are unwell.
Being aware of the traits that make a great leader versus a boss can boom your business. When employees know that they are appreciated and valued, their performance and overall productivity can increase. The chances of overturn of a business are less likely when there are leaders who take action. A great leader creates a positive and productive work environment. Are your leadership styles benefiting your company?