Worried your team thinks you’re a jerk?

The Great Resignation has some leaders worrying about their leadership style and whether they are contributing to the loss of employees. I’ve been very lucky to have many amazing bosses and here are three simple things they did that made me know I was valuable.

Know and care about at least one recent personal fact about each team member.

Do you know that Jim’s cat Fluffy just died? Or is Alex’s toddler dealing with sleep regression issues? If you know about — and then inquire about — at least one personal fact about team members in your 1:1’s with them then chances are, you’re not a jerk.

Go to their space to meet at least once this month.

Do you always make team members come to you? Whether it’s your zoom room or your physical office, get up and go to them at least once a month.

You directed at least one unsolicited and genuine piece of praise to them and/or their team every quarter.

Praise is a tricky subject in the employment world. I’ve heard people say that we shouldn’t have to praise people for doing their jobs because the paycheck is the praise. That’s crap in my mind. Did someone do a particularly nice job on a report? Did they nail a presentation with a client? Did they overcome an obstacle? If so, say something. Praise is critical and not giving it means you’re a jerk.

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