empathy
noun em·pa·thy | \ ˈem-pə-thē \
Definition of empathy
1: the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner *Merriam-Webster
What does it take to be a good leader? (Notice I said LEADER, not “Boss”) It takes empathy. Putting yourself in your employees’ place and being respectful. That doesn’t mean wimpy. It means honor them for the person that they are and treat them like you would like to be treated if you were in their shoes.
Most of the time, this means setting clear boundaries as soon as someone is hired. Most employees appreciate being told in a clear and concise way, what they are responsible for and how they are expected to complete those tasks. They want to do well, and it is your job, as their supervisor, to help them do that!
This is where job descriptions and good training programs come in. Make sure you think about important tasks that are required of each job and include those in the description. Be clear on how each task is to be done if there is a specific way to do it- and if there is, put it in writing, so there is something that employee can reference once training is over.
Make sure to give your new employee the opportunity to watch, do and watch again during training. Allow her the opportunity to ask questions and understand the answers. Don’t start him on his own until he is comfortable and there is someone readily available to answer questions and step in and help when needed.
You wouldn’t expect your mechanic to work on your car without her wrench, would you? Make sure you have given your employees the tools they need to help you and your business succeed.