As a manager, this issue is near and dear to my heart. Fortunately, television writer Patricia Forrester sent me some great tips from her new book, Nice Girls on Top that I thought I would share with you:
- Pick Your Team Carefully – Always try to find the best person for the job. This doesn’t just mean basic skills, but personality traits that indicate the individual won’t take advantage of kind and generous conditions. Always check with previous employers about each job candidate and ask about his or her integrity.
- Trust Your Team – Whether you chose your team or not, you should relax and just trust everything will be fine. If you are a boss who constantly worries about his or her employees taking advantage, then you are sending out the vibe that you don’t trust them. Your employees can sense such a vibe and can feel demoralized by it. This will lead to resentment and will get in the way of productivity. You should always trust your employees and give each person the benefit of the doubt until something happens to disappoint. Trusting your people will not only create a healthy work environment, but will make it easier for people to do their best work.
- Treat Everyone Equally – Part of being the “nice” boss is treating everyone equally and not playing favorites. The way to do this is to have structured rules or guidelines. For example, if someone meets certain requirements, he or she can be granted time off. This fair play is effective and productive. No one will feel slighted. On the other hand, if you play favorites, feelings of resentment may set in with employees who are not getting the special treatment. Such feelings of resentment may lead to certain staff becoming careless and wanting to take advantage of their work situation.
- Be a Great Role Model – Always lead by example. If you don’t take advantage, then chances are your staff won’t either. Rather, being a great role model that goes the extra mile for your staff will make them go the extra mile for you.
- Stand Up for Yourself – Nice bosses are not weak people. If you do think one of your employees is taking advantage of your kindness, stand up for yourself. Talk to the person in question in private and express your concerns. Let them know how you are feeling and allow them to change the situation with your guidance.
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