Authenticity is crucial for managers who want to build trust, respect, and a genuine connection with their hourly employees. Here are the best methods for managers to demonstrate authenticity:
1. Be Honest and Transparent
- Share the "Why": Explain the reasons behind decisions or policies, even if they’re challenging.
- Admit Mistakes: Be open about errors and take responsibility for them, modeling accountability.
- Avoid Overpromising: Be realistic about what you can deliver, and follow through on commitments.
2. Show Genuine Interest
- Know Your Team: Learn about their lives, interests, and aspirations beyond work.
- Ask Meaningful Questions: Engage in conversations that go beyond surface-level topics.
- Be Present: Give them your full attention during interactions, showing they matter to you.
3. Practice Consistency
- Be Fair: Treat all employees with respect and hold everyone to the same standards.
- Follow Through: Deliver on promises or communicate honestly if circumstances change.
- Model Core Values: Reflect the company’s values in your actions, ensuring alignment between words and behavior.
4. Communicate Openly
- Speak Clearly: Use direct and relatable language to build understanding and avoid confusion.
- Listen Actively: Show that you value their input by listening without interrupting and acting on feedback.
- Be Approachable: Maintain an open-door policy and encourage employees to voice concerns or ideas.
5. Display Empathy
- Understand Their Challenges: Acknowledge the demands and realities of their roles.
- Show Compassion: Support them during personal or professional struggles with flexibility and care.
- Recognize Effort: Appreciate their contributions, even when outcomes aren’t perfect.
6. Be Humble
- Share Your Journey: Open up about your own experiences, including challenges and lessons learned.
- Seek Input: Ask for their opinions and ideas, valuing their expertise in their roles.
- Work Alongside Them: Occasionally participate in their tasks to show solidarity and understanding.
7. Recognize Their Humanity
- Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge birthdays, anniversaries, and personal achievements.
- Respect Work-Life Balance: Be mindful of their time and avoid unnecessary demands outside work hours.
- Personalize Interactions: Address them by name and tailor conversations to their unique personalities.
8. Be Authentic in Recognition
- Offer Sincere Praise: Avoid generic compliments; recognize specific actions or behaviors.
- Celebrate Individuality: Highlight their unique contributions rather than comparing them to others.
- Express Gratitude Personally: A heartfelt “thank you” can mean more than formal recognition.
9. Stay Accessible
- Be Available: Make time for your employees, whether for work-related issues or personal check-ins.
- Respond Quickly: Address their questions or concerns promptly to show their importance.
- Foster Informal Connections: Use casual conversations to build rapport and trust.
10. Align Words with Actions
- Walk the Talk: Consistently demonstrate the behaviors and values you expect from your team.
- Honor Commitments: If you promise something, deliver on it.
- Stay True to Yourself: Let your personality shine, avoiding a “manager persona” that feels forced or disconnected.
11. Lead with Purpose
- Highlight Their Impact: Show how their work contributes to the company’s goals and mission.
- Inspire Meaning: Help them see the value in their roles and the broader purpose of their efforts.
- Share Successes: Celebrate team achievements, emphasizing how they played a part.
12. Learn and Evolve
- Seek Feedback: Regularly ask employees how you can improve as a manager.
- Admit Growth Areas: Be open about what you’re working on to become a better leader.
- Adapt to Their Needs: Tailor your approach based on their preferences and feedback.
Authenticity as a manager isn’t about perfection—it’s about being real, relatable, and respectful. By staying true to yourself while genuinely valuing your team, you’ll create a strong foundation of trust and mutual respect.