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How To Be a Respectful Boss

If you're struggling how to juggle being a successful boss, keep reading this story. Here are a few ways to gain the respect of co-workers.
Finnegan Pierson
There is a fine line between being a person your employees enjoy working for and motivating them to get things done. It's not easy to find the right balance, and it can be very frustrating when you slip one way or another. If you're too tough on them, business suffers. Here are a few ways to gain the respect of co-workers.

They Should See You as a Leader

As a boss, you should be the hardest working person at the company. You don't want your subordinates to think you get paid the big bucks to tell them what to do. Lead by example of how you expect those under you to get their work done, and you may be surprised by how they will follow your lead.
There is nothing more frustrating as an employee when you find yourself picking up the slack from your manager. Not only do you have to be willing to work hard in your position, but you have to handle yourself well at all times. Your employees are always watching you.
The culture of your company spurs from its leader, and you want to make sure you are creating an efficient work environment, where people enjoy the camaraderie.

Know Your Staff

You should never be too busy to be friends with your staff. It is crucial for them to feel like their boss cares for and wants what is best for them. It can be as simple as having lunch for your employees with birthdays that month or being willing to help your hired hands with their online 1099 form. You want your team to feel as if they are your equal.
You are all human, and although you may be a step ahead in the business, that shouldn't affect the treatment of your employees. You should always be looking out for the best interest of the company, not a way to stroke your ego. This isn't to say there won't be times where you have to make hard decisions and think like a boss, but hopefully, those are few.

You Get Out What You Put In

When it comes to managing a business and supervising team members, you are going to get out of it what you put in. If you compensate your team well and treat them like a valuable asset to the company rather than someone expendable, you will get their best effort.
Not only will they be compelled to get their work done, they will also be more willing to take on extra responsibility when it's needed. Your staff needs to feel as if they are just as important to their line of work as someone who is above their pay grade. If your team is a well-oiled machine, then you are much more likely to be successful with your trade.

Hiring

If you are looking to better your place of work by improving your leadership, you have to hire the right people for the job. Searching for an employee who will mesh well in your company has a learning curve and is something that will have to be developed over time.
A resume or significant experience doesn't necessarily show someone's character and morals. In your interview and hiring process, you want to talk less about job expectations and more about the morale you expect them to uphold. Anyone can be trained, but not everyone is a good employee.
There is a lot to be said about someone who runs a successful business and has staff members that respect them. It is never too late to adopt a new team spirit. It may not be a smooth transition, but the benefits will be well worth the energy.