Boss seeks better relations with staff

Make them feel appreciated

Q: I have just received feedback from an assessment that many of my employees say that I am a lousy boss. They say that they do not feel appreciated and that they lack direction and support from me. How can I improve my relationship with my staff ? A: Your employees are definitely sending you a message. Rest assured you are not alone. A recent study by Michelle McQuaid in the U.S. found that 65 per cent of employees would choose a new boss over a pay raise and almost 60 per cent said that they would perform better if they had a better relationship with their boss.

Employees want the following things from you as their boss:

To be noticed. Observe your staff and indicate to them that you recognize and see what they are doing and how they are working on behalf of the customers and the company.

To be heard. Use focused and re- flective listening with your staff.

Ask your employees how you can help them.

When they are speaking to you be quiet, listen to them intently, and reflect back to them what they are saying to you. Ask if that is accurate and/ or ask for further information or clarification.

To be understood. Indicate to your staff that you want to understand where they are coming from or that you want to understand their perspective. Be curious about their views and perspectives, not judgmental.

To be appreciated. Remember to recognize your staff for not only what they do and accomplish, but for who they are as people and what qualities you appreciate in them, such as their creativity, their work ethic, their perseverance, etc.

To feel supported. Ask your employees how you can help them. Ask them how you can be a better boss and work more effectively with them. Remember to listen to your staff, take notes, reflect what you have heard, ask for clarification, tell them that you appreciate them, and that you want to commit to building a stronger relationship with them.