Leadership in a small business often looks different than it does in a larger company. If it seems like your current leadership strategy just isn’t working, we hope the information provided below will help you feel more confident as you lead your team.

Make Regular Communication a Priority

As a manager, you need to communicate regularly with other departments as well as the people who report directly to you. Whether that happens with a daily email, weekly meeting, or periodic one-on-one meetings with your direct reports is up to you. The important thing is to remain consistent with authentic and transparent communication. Be sure that your team gets information directly from you before they start following procedures set by someone else.

The Importance of Mentorship

As much as you might enjoy and appreciate the people who report to you, part of being a good manager is helping to develop your talent to take on larger roles within the organization. Regular coaching sessions are a good way to find out each employee’s goals and learn more about what you can do to help. When you see an educational program, seminar, promotion, or a related event available to employees, take the time to encourage people whom you know would be a good fit for the opportunity. Remember that your team’s success is your success too.

Look for Unique Ways to Motivate Employees

A pay raise is always nice for employees to receive, but it isn’t the only way you can encourage and support them to do their best work. Even a few extra hours of paid time off could do the trick. Other ideas could include a gift card to a local coffee shop, a closer parking spot for a month, or the ability to dress casually for a week. Don’t forget to let the employee’s co-workers know when he or she has done an especially great job at something.