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Do You Have The 5 Traits Of A Good Boss?

If you want to succeed in running a business, you need to understand that it takes more than just telling people what to do. You must have the qualities that make you stand out from the rest.

Do not get me wrong, possessing the traits of a good boss will not make you perfect. This is because an individual must act based on these traits. You cannot preach to a crowd if you are disorganized yourself.

Fortunately, these traits can be and must be learned through repetition. Start by knowing what some of these are:

1. CONSCIENTIOUSNESS

Conscientiousness, a trait in the Five Factor Model, has long been associated with success. This is because people who are highly conscientious are dependable and organized. While, people who are low on this trait tend to be more careless, spontaneous, and laid-back.

You can easily spot this trait in the workplace. A boss with a high sense of duty comes to work on time, follows the projects’ deadlines, and avoids unnecessary absenteeism. Acting beyond what is required of you (going above and beyond) is also an indicator of your conscientiousness.

2. COMPASSION

As the noble Dalai Lama once said: “Compassion is not religious business, it is human business…”

He highlights that regardless of our status, compassion is an essential trait for human survival. It is also applicable in the workplace. A compassionate boss can create a workplace filled with people who value each other and who go thru the hurdles as a unit. After all, the Latin etymology of the word “compassion” translates to “to suffer with”. Try to practice compassion in everything that you do.

3. CREATIVITY

Some of the world’s most inspiring leaders are creative individuals. These inspiring individuals include Facebook’s founder Mark Zuckerberg and Patanjali Ayurved’s founder Baba Ramdev. In the local scene, Jeannie Chew of Soaplah comes to my mind.

The invention of the Soaplah came from Jeannie’s previous experiences with skin problems. She was troubled with eczema and other skin issues at a young age that she started making her own natural soap. In her journey to find the best solution, she handcrafted her soaps using natural ingredients such as pure essential oils with anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Her hard-work paid off as Soaplah offers a variety of soaps that can absolutely soothe even the most sensitive of skins!

Image Credits: www.facebook.com/soaplah

If you are like Jeannie, creative thinking can spark a vision or a sudden epiphany. The road to perfection comes with mistakes. It is your job as a good leader to navigate the wrongs into rights.

4. INTEGRITY

Majority of the people agree that a good boss must uphold integrity and sincerity. Integrity entails honesty in internal and external aspects of the person. It requires you to tell the truth in every situation.

For instance, an honest boss is willing to share the good and the bad news to its employees. It is because he or she knows that they deserve to know.

5. ACCOUNTABILITY

The grave responsibility bestowed on you comes with great accountability. Accountability is not only for the achievements of the company but also for its downfalls. There are no “absolutes” in business. One can never ascertain the things that can happen in the future after making a decision.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Be fearless and accept the responsibility of your actions. If necessary, hold others accountable too.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Cost-Effective Ways To Reward Your Employees

If you want to drive performance, engage employees and drive results…non-cash rewards are the most effective tools in your toolbox.

~Kimberly Abel-Lanier of Maritz Motivation Solutions

Underlying the theories of motivation comes the idea that rewarding your employees in meaningful ways can lead to higher satisfaction. These meaningful rewards are driven by the internal currencies of each individual. For instance, your senior employee may consider flexible hours as more valuable than merit pay.

On that note, here are 6 budget-friendly ways to reward your beloved employees:

1. FLEXIBLE HOURS

One key feature that Singapore employees possess is that most of our time revolve around work. My first job followed a 44-48 hours of work each week (including overtime) similar to how most companies operate. Due to the relatively long and stressful shifting hours at the office, my days off work were precious. After walking away from the office set-up and transitioning to freelancing, I realized that flexibility in time weighs more than any cash incentives I received. Being able to have a flexible timetable gives you the opportunity to do more of what you love.

So if your company works on a fixed schedule, perhaps you can incorporate a flexitime incentive whereby excellent employees can control their working hours for the following month.

2. RECOGNITION AND CERTIFICATE

A simple act of recognition goes a long way. As David Ciccarelli, co-founder of Voices.com, once said: “Something all bosses can do that doesn’t cost anything but means the world to people is recognition for their contributions to the organization.”

You can personally acknowledge the achievements and efforts of your employees thru group memos, writing an email, handing a personal note, or awarding a certificate.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Remember how proud you were in primary school when your teacher proudly bestowed you with a certificate for performing well in class? Replicate those emotions by presenting a special signed certificate to your best employees once a month. The amount of effort you put on the presentation assembly will make it all worth it.

3. EXTRA PAID VACATION DAYS

Without the slightest doubt, having extra paid vacation days are some of the most wonderful rewards an employee can receive. Award your best performing employees with additional vacation days each year by turning it as a friendly competition. For example, the employee that acquires the highest sales on a quarter will receive extra 2 paid vacation days for the year.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

This may increase the productivity, satisfaction, and morale of your team.

Sources: 1 & 2

Is Home Office Heaven Or Hell For You?

Working from home used to be an idea that graced infomercials few years ago but in the new generation, it has become increasingly common. According to the data collated by Global Workplace Analytics, there are approximately 10 to 15 million home-based businesses. Before making any decisions to jump on the “home office” bandwagon, you must first weigh its advantages and disadvantages.

ADVANTAGES

Given the opportunity to be your own boss, you may be able to do things you love and get paid for it. Since you do not have a supervisor beside you, your passion will fuel your creativity and productivity. In fact, a Stanford University study showed that call center employees from China reported increased performance by 12% and higher work satisfaction as they worked from home.

Aside from this, having a home office can give you one thing that you might be itching for – freedom! You start by building your own working environment that you are most comfortable with. With this power of autonomy, you will notice that little things you do can make a huge difference.

Freedom also entails that you hold your own work schedule. Setting your own hours can mean that you get to drive your children to school, you can go out for private errands during lunch, and you won’t miss out on your children’s school presentations. This means that you are able to do more of what you really love.

DISADVANTAGES

After hearing its advantages, working from home may sound like a dream come true but you have to take note of its disadvantages too. One prominent downside to many home offices is the vulnerability to distractions such as accessible electronic devices, noisy family members, and many household tasks.

Another disadvantage is higher utility costs, especially if you barely leave your home. This is why you should make it a habit to conserve energy through simple strategies such as scheduling your air conditioning use, reducing indoor heat by painting your rooms white, or working at the brightest part of the house.

Lastly, since most people meet new people and make friends in the workplace, professionals who are working from home may experience loneliness, isolation, and depression. As they are plucked away from their previous co-workers and bosses, staying in touch with them can remedy the situation.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

Bottom line: When you are shifting towards the home office, you must consider all its possible factors – both good and bad. If possible, you may split your time between the home office and the workplace.

Sources: 1,2,3,& 4

7 Surefire Signs That Your Boss Is Horrible

Research showed that your horrible boss does not only impact your work but also other your life. Avoid this harmful “spillover effect” by knowing the 7 Surefire Signs That Your Boss Is Horrible…

1. YOUR BOSS IS NEVER WRONG

Surely, you have encountered a person who thinks that he or she is never wrong! But what if that person is your boss? It affects everything – including employee job satisfaction.

If your boss does not admit that he or she is wrong then it means that pride outweighs all. Furthermore, it means that your boss is not willing to go out of the “comfort zone” for you.

2. YOUR BOSS GIVES LITTLE TO NO GUIDANCE

When your boss likes to decide in the moment with no clear long-term plans, you work in a very dynamic industry that is bound to have its flaws. With little to no goals to accomplish as a group and as an employee, your company will have no distinct direction.

3. YOUR BOSS IS INDECISIVE

Great bosses make decisions in the most quick and accurate way because they know that time is money. In contrast, horrible bosses make tentative decisions which they frequently re-analyze. This failure to decide may cost you and the company itself.

4. YOUR BOSS CHANGES THE SCHEDULE ABRUPTLY

Since the schedule was given to you beforehand, you made your plans for the day. Or so you thought! You see, your boss decides to change the schedule on the day itself and extend for a few more hours. It has happened to me before and I was not happy about it.

To avoid this, ask your boss to explain and justify why there is a need to change the schedule. If your contract entails rotations in your schedule then, you are good. But it is a different story if your schedule is supposed to be fixed.

5. YOUR BOSS PAYS YOUR WAGES LATE

As we live in one of the most expensive cities in the world, it is important to get your wages on time. If your boss pays your salary late for the first time or due to valid reasons then it is acceptable. However, if he or she does this on a regular basis, you must contact your superiors to address the problem right away.

6. YOUR BOSS PLAYS FAVORITES

Horrible bosses give amazing perks, consistent raises, and special assignments to the employees whom they like the most. In contrast, great bosses encourage their employees to excel in their own way.

7. YOUR BOSS DENIES YOUR VACATION

After staying for a year in the company and your boss does not grant your vacation then, it becomes a legal issue.

Once you are covered by the Employment Act and have worked for at least 3 months, you are entitled to annual leave of at about 7 days (for your first year). You will be entitled 14 days annual leave on your 8th year (of service in the company) and thereafter.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (CC0 Public Domain)

It is important to know your rights before entering the workforce.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

6 Foolproof Ways To Make Your Clients Like You More

With the modern technology, an unhappy customer can easily share his or her opinion to various social media platforms, which will negatively affect your business. Truly, keeping your existing clients satisfied is a crucial part of a successful business. Nurturing relationships can increase client referrals and decrease the loss of valued clients.

On that note, here are 6 Foolproof Ways To Make Your Clients Like You More…

1. COMMUNICATE GENUINELY

Communicate genuinely to your existing and potential clients as a knowledgeable representative of the business. Addressing the client by name seems trivial however, it is a simple way to build rapport. Increase your clients’ happy experiences even more by talking to them in a manner that they prefer, whether it be through phone, email, or in person.

2. LISTEN TO WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY

Aside from talking to them genuinely, you must actively listen to what they have to say. You may assume that you know what they want but, what if you are utterly wrong? In fact, most companies fail because they are creating a product with a non-existent demand.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

So, accept feedback and take necessary actions to improve your business. Use the following methods to gather feedback from your clients: focus groups, social media, surveys, online Forms, and observation.

3. DO NOT MAKE PROMISES YOU CANNOT KEEP

Set realistic and reasonable deadlines to avoid disappointing others. If you promised to deliver the product or send the contract in two weeks then, deliver it within two. Nothing damages your trusting relationship more than a series of broken promises!

4. PROMPTLY RETURN EMAILS AND PHONE CALLS

In conjunction with No.3, you must promptly return emails and phone calls as promised. Interestingly, the top complaint clients have about lawyers are unreturned phone calls. Adopt a habit of replying emails and returning calls at night before you sleep or early in the morning so, you do not miss a thing!

5. OFFER PROMOTIONS AND ONGOING SUPPORT

A surefire way for your clients to like you is to offer occasional promotions and discounts. Keep them in the loop by sending out electronic announcements and decorating your shop with attractive posters. Additionally, you must offer excellent customer service by responding quickly to clients’ needs. The strong ability to deliver excellent customer service will be your edge over your competitors. One consideration is providing support through a help desk software, such as Zendesk. If you are looking for a Zendesk alternative, check out why Kayako is winning with its ease of use, flexibility and affordability.

6. SHOW YOUR GRATITUDE

You do not have to spend thousands of dollars to extend your gratitude to your loyal consumers. Manifest your appreciation to your clients by saying “Thank You” in person or by sending an electronic “Thank You note”. This simple gesture will impact the way that they view your company. It will make them feel valued and special.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

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