by Cody Hodge

Created on: December 11, 2008   Last Updated: January 06, 2010

In my eight years in the retail industry, I have seen many a manager come and go, and each has had their own strengths and weaknesses. They all did things that baffled me, and some things that didn't make sense. There were a few I hated, a few I liked, and a few that I wish never left, as I learned so much from them. As an employee, I saw several things that made me love my job, and every so often they made decisions that made me want to quit. Emotional responses sure, but in general, here are some things that caused me to want to work for my boss, even if I didn't agree with everything they did.

1. Make sure you are consistent with your people. That means if on day one you come in with a certain set of rules, that you stick by them, and if you are going to change things, you have to make sure everyone is on the same page. I hated it when a new manager would come in, and be a really nice guy toward the employees, and have a laid back attitude toward work, then one day come in and be a freak for the details.

2. Don't play favorites, strive to reward your hardest workers. One of the hardest things for a manager to do I realize now, but if you play favorites you are setting yourself up for failure. I remember when I would work twice as hard as the cashier next to me, but they would get to help with the cleaning and other tasks because they were friends with the manager, or because someone was trying to score points with someone of the opposite sex. If you don't use your most reliable people, chances are the work won't get done correctly and it will mean more work for you later.

3. Empower your employees. Nothing inspires confidence in your employees like allowing them to do the work they do best themselves. Handing off a few key jobs every so often will not only show you who is able to step up and be a future leader, but it will enable you to lead more effectively. If other see that you are willing to reward hard work with increased responsibility and recognition, they will be more likely to work harder for you, and respect you more for it. Respect is a hard thing to earn, and if you can get it, just watch the productivity level of your team skyrocket.

4. Listen to the input of your employees. If an employee has a concern, question, suggestion, etc. listen to your employee. If someone thinks a team member isn't carrying their own weight, or if someone is struggling, take the time to help or remedy the situation. Conversely, if someone thinks they could be doing more, or is looking for opportunities to improve, give advice, and offer ways that they can grow in the workplace. There is nothing better for an employee than working for someone who listens and takes the time to value the input of everyone. It gives an employee the sense that what they think matters, and is in control of their jobs just a little bit.

These are just a few of the biggest issues that I had with managers when I was an employee. As a manager myself, I think I have a better perspective as to why managers do what they do, but I always try my best to offer those principles. I always am available for my employees, and never do I make anyone feel as if they are under me as an employee. We are a team and I firmly believe that is how you get ahead. If anyone has any concerns they know they can come to me, and if I know someone isn't giving there all I know how to deal with it, because I once had to go through working with bad employees at one time.

Employees and managers working together to make sure everyone is getting the most out their talents is huge in the workplace, and hopefully these tips will help the two groups co-exist a little easier.

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