As a leader, you’re expected to inspire and manage a team of employees. Most people think that this involves being professional and distant, which is why they tend to put a lot of emphasis on being strong.
It’s important to break down these walls and connect with your team members, especially those who are closest to you. Having a genuine connection with them is very important, as it shows that you care about their well-being and that you’re genuinely interested in their success. Here are a few ways that leaders can go about forming bonds with their employees.
Include Your Team In Decision Making
One of the easiest ways to build strong relationships with your team is to include them in decision-making. Doing so will help strengthen their trust and provide them with a sense of responsibility. Having a shared decision-making process will also motivate them and provide them with a sense of responsibility.
Be Transparent About The Way You Operate
Having a consistent and transparent method of working will help strengthen the communication between the leader and the reports. Having a clear understanding of your mission and methodology will also help build a common bond between the two parties. Showing you care about each of your team members’ individual growth in both a professional and personal sense is another great way to form stronger bonds.
Take Feedback Seriously
Most leaders have regular meetings with their employees where they gather together to discuss ideas and feedback. However, when the meeting ends, the creative ideas are often put on the shelf without any further action being taken. Having a positive feedback environment can help strengthen the relationship between the leader and the team. Show your team you care about their feedback by acting on it. It will make you a better leader while also leading your employees to trust in you.
Get To Know Your Team On A Personal Level
Having a genuine connection with your team members is very important, as it shows that you care about them and that you genuinely want to get to know them as individuals. Aside from work-related conversations, get to know your team a little bit more on a personal level. Ask them about their weekend, and what their favorite hobbies are. You don’t need to know everything about their lives, but it’s always good to look at them as more than just an employee.