IN the workplace, almost all subordinates would appreciate and respect kind and empathetic leaders. On the contrary, leaders who keep score of others’ wrongs and seek revenge will not be welcome by their subordinates.
It is important not to hold any grudges towards anyone but to give the benefit of the doubt in the face of any negative situation. As leaders, in order to win subordinates’ hearts, there are a few points to keep in mind.
Do not punish for the sake of punishing
Whenever a subordinate makes some blunders, be slow to punish. First find out the reasons for the failures. If the reasons are a lack of skill or experience, leaders should move to equip the subordinates with the necessary skills or assign more experienced staff to assist them in the future to avoid them committing similar mistakes.
At times, punishments do not serve much purpose but will only dampen the spirit of the subordinates. Even those who are not punished will feel the pressure as well.
Do not destroy anyone
Leaders should not destroy anyone for the mistakes they have committed. When one destroys another person, one would turn that person and their friends into one’s enemies.
One may not be able to befriend everyone but it is important not to make anyone an enemy if possible. Having enemies will merely add obstacles and stumbling blocks along one’s path to success.
Give the young ones a second chance
Never destroy a young person’s future over small failures that they have committed. Give the young ones the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and grow to be more responsible and mature individuals.
Nobody knows how to perform any task well from birth. Everyone learns from their mistakes and will continue to grow as they correct their wrongs and pick up new skills.
Young people are new to the working environment and may not be aware of the red tape that they should abide by. Hence, when they unintentionally mess things up, they should be given a chance to make things right.
Crushed individuals unable to contribute
Leaders should not punish and crush the spirit of an employee. A person who is crushed will feel disheartened and hopeless.
When employees feel dejected and dispirited, they will not be able to perform well and, as a result, they will be unable to contribute much to the organisation. In this way, employees will not be able to give their full effort and put their skills to good use.
In the long run, the organisation will lose out as there will be many staff who are unable to function fully.
Do not keep account of wrongs
Whatever mistakes that others have committed, once the matter is over, do wipe everything off the slate and start anew.
Do not keep an account of their wrongs and wait for the opportunity to strike back. When a leader is always waiting for a chance to get even with those who have wronged them, their subordinates will be full of fear. They will be afraid to work with this type of leader as no one is perfect and one could easily commit blunders.
Be kind and generous
Understanding leaders should be generous and kind towards everyone. They should not hold any negative opinion about anyone but always be open to listening to others.
Great leaders do not mark anyone for their blunders but are always willing to help to build up others by giving them the opportunity to mend their wrongs and provide them with opportunities to learn and grow.
Priscilla Hiu is a career guidance consultant of Gracia Management and a certified behavioural consultant of DISC Personality Profiling System, Institution of Motivation Living, USA and Extended DISC Personality Profiling System, Extended DISC Northgate.