Managing a green industry business can be tricky. Sometimes it can feel like you are biting off more than you can chew. All of our eyes are bigger than our stomachs at some point or another. It's also difficult to keep that balance of being involved in your employees daily work lives while also keeping a safe distance without micromanaging. The reason why Michael Scott in The Office was disliked by so many people in the office is because he got too involved. There's an episode that shows how the employees stress levels literally rose when Michael was around. Don't be like him! Remember that you are in this position for a reason and you are a key part in making your company tick. Here are some ways to help you become the best manager you can be:
1. Make sure the processes of your company are laid out and organized. Your employees, thus your company, can't help you be the best manager you can be if the way you want your company to run isn't clearly defined. This is where field service software comes in. Let it be the answer to your prayers. I've said it before and I'll say it again - it will save you time and money ten times over. Don't let the word "software" intimidate you. It won't take long before you learn the ins and outs of the program like a pro. You'll thank me when you do.
2. Know your employees. No two people are alike so that means no two of your employees are alike. Get to know them. Learn what makes them tick. Observe what they are good at and find what needs improvement. Motivate them individually. Try sitting down with each and and every one of them to come up with a plan. Set individual goals for them. These goals will eventually lead to your green industry business reaching it's larger goals. If your employees know that they have your full support and that you care about their success they are sure to do their best to make sure they help your service business succeed. Which, in turn, will help you to be the best manager you can be.
3. Become a better communicator. In the age of technology and when it seems that we are constantly in contact with eachother whether its by email, Twitter, Facebook, etc. However, it's easy to get lost in that. Don't forget that the best form of communication will always be face-to-face conversation. Do not lose yourself in cyberspace. So, when you're done reading this, schedule a meeting with your employees. Go get coffee. Go to happy hour. Do whatever you need to do to keep those personal interactions because even though technology has done a lot for us, it will never beat a good conversation.
4. Trust, but verify. Don't micromanage. It's important that you trust your coworkers and employees. However, make sure that golden word isn't lost (communication). Trust the people around you but make sure that things aren't lost in the shuffle. If you stay on top of your tasks and the tasks delegated to your employees you'll feel a lot more organized and secure.
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