It is natural for individuals who work together in the same company or organization to come closer to one another. This relationship among workers has to be established and made stronger as it is one of the building blocks of a successful company. And when we say interpersonal relationship, we are referring to the strong association among employees who have similar mindset and taste.
So, what role do managers play in building interpersonal relationships in the workplace?
A team manager is similar to a captain of a ship, who is responsible for making all their members get along well with one another. In order for a manager like you to ensure there is harmony in the workplace, these are the things you need to do:
a. Make it a point to interact or communicate with your team members on a regular basis.
To be an effective manager, you have to speak to all your members, both as a group and individually, so that they will not feel ignored or taken for granted. Set team meetings at least once a week, or ask to see a couple of individuals during your spare time. Ask about their wellbeing, and try to know if things are going well with them. Remember that employees appreciate the relationship they have with their superiors.
b. Avoid comparing your team members against each other.
It’s never a good idea to call the attention of an employee in public. If you need to talk to or reprimand someone in your team, call them to your office where you can talk in private. Make sure also that you talk to your team members in person and avoid passing on messages through another person.
c. Make yourself available to your team.
Problems in the workplace typically start when workers are unable to get in touch with their superiors. To be an effective manager, you have to make sure you are approachable and can easily be reached anytime your team members need you. Also, be an active listener and sincerely lend an ear to your people.
d. Intervene right away when there are conflicts among your members.
Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, but still, you have to make sure all conflicts are addressed and settled immediately and appropriately. You don’t have to wait for small issues to become bigger before you intervene. Keep in mind that even the smallest problem can become a major organization issue when it’s left unattended.
e. Give credit where it’s due.
If you want your subordinates to give their best in their work, you need to show them that you appreciate the value they bring to the company. Giving rewards doesn’t always require that you spend a lot of money. As a matter of fact, giving praise to an employee or employees for a job well done is already a good motivator.
To become a good and effective manager, you should not only think about how to increase your company’s profitability. More importantly, you need to find ways to bring out the best in your employees, as well as to establish a strong relationship among the members of your organization.