A workplace can be an enjoyable or an unbearable place. A pleasant workplace can make your employees less stressed, more creative, more engaged, and productive. Working in an unbearable and hostile environment can make it nearly impossible for employees to perform their tasks to the best of their ability.
The conditions of the workplace come down to the leadership. Many people want to be great leaders. However, the stress of leadership can lead some to behaviors inconsistent with their character. Some believe if they’re too nice, they will be taking advantage of, and their employee’s work will suffer. Therefore the company will suffer and not produce well. So many feel they don’t have a choice but to be very stern and harsh. Being this way can get out of hand. When that happens, leaders become a part of the problem. They become “toxic leaders.” A toxic leader is damaging to the health of those around them, emotionally and physically.
Here are 5 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Toxic Leader:
1.) Accept constructive criticism.
Allow employees to give feedback. Don’t take constructive criticism as being mean. Look at it as a positive. Constructive criticism can increase insight and perspective. It can make you, your work, and the work environment better. Constructive criticism can guide you away from harmful practices and towards good ones.
2.) Willing to Learn, Grow, or Adapt as a Leader.
It’s good to continually try to improve yourself to become a better person and leader. Life is more enjoyable for you and those around you.
Also, the marketplace and business climate are ever-changing. Learning and staying ahead is a huge part of growing.
Lead by example. When leaders are willing to learn new skills, they are creating a tone for the organization.
3.) Be Compassionate.
It’s good to understand that the demands on employees go beyond the organization. Be the type of leader who is kind, helpful, and caring. This does not mean that you should be a push-over. Employees who work for a supportive leader are more likely to be happier, less stressed, and have higher work output.
4.) Have fun.
Creating a fun workplace can be as simple as holding monthly potlucks, birthday celebrations, or door decorating contests. These types of small events are not only fun but also be great team-building exercises.
When leaders unwind and create a fun workplace, there is a remarkable increase in employee trust, creativity, communication, and higher morale. And there is a lower turnover.
5.) Know Your Employees.
Leaders understand how important it is to know their employees. It builds bonds that allow your organization to solve big problems, face significant challenges, and obtain extraordinary results from all types of people.
When showing interest in employee’s hobbies, family, and other parts outside of work, they feel valued.
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XcelMil, LLC is a certified Minority-Woman and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business specializing in Executive Management Consulting and Leadership Development Training.
