As the leader of your home care business, you walk a fine line between boss and friend. It’s easy to take on the “boss” role and forget that you are also a leader. Every boss has the potential to become a great leader. Whether you build your employees’ unique abilities or suppress them, it is up to you. Research shows that 75% of employees say their boss or supervisor is the most stressful part of their job. From being micromanaged to not being heard, a difficult boss is the number one reason people quit their job. So how do you know if you are a boss or a leader?
Unclear & Unrealistic Goals vs Clarity & Realistic Goals
A boss is unclear with their expectations for their team. They expect team members to automatically know what needs to be done and all their expectations. A boss has unrealistic goals and doesn’t understand that there are other demands on their team’s time. A leader is upfront and clear with their expectations from the beginning. Each team member knows and understands their specific roles and how they complete the team. A leader sets realistic, achievable goals for their team and helps them complete those goals.
Hears vs Listens
A boss only hears their employees while a leader listens. A boss hears the grievances or successes of a team member, but they won’t do anything about it. They believe their team should be able to complete all their work without any feedback. A leader will make the time to listen to their team and make necessary changes when a team member has personal or professional problems. A leader is not afraid to hear feedback from their team, whether positive or negative, and work with their team to improve.
Hands Off vs Hands On
A boss believes their team should always know what to do without any guidance. They should have the education and training to figure it out on their own. A leader knows their team is only as strong as their weakest member. They take the time to train and provide their team with all the tools to succeed. A leader encourages new ideas and values feedback from their team.
Nagging vs Supportive
A boss is a micromanager. They nag their team for finished products without allowing for other projects or demands. A boss believes that work comes first, and there is no reason for not completing a project when assigned. A leader understands that there is a balance between work life and personal life. They encourage their team to take breaks and they respect their team’s time away from work as well as other demands on their time.
A leader knows they are just as much part of the team and not just a boss. They know they are equal to their team members and not their task master. It may be easier to be a “boss,” but whatever kind of manager you are today, the good news is that it’s easy to start becoming better by making small changes. You’ll slowly start to see dramatic results when you take the time to get to know your team, listen to them, and work alongside them. You’ll find that your team is more productive and their quality of work is improved.
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