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4 Valuable Pieces Of Advice For Business Managers

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Managing a business is far from easy. The best management personnel often times have quality schooling and years of experience in their industry. Good management can be the difference between a business succeeding and the same business failing. Managers generally act as a direct intermediary between the owner and employees of a business. They are entrusted to make the best decisions for a company as a whole.


While there are several stressors in the world of business administration, it is important that current and future managers have the right mindset for their job. Having several years of management experience myself, I offer these 4 pieces of advice for current and aspiring business managers.


1. Your employees aren't as expendable as you may think.

Whether you are managing a small business with less than 5 employees or a large franchise with dozens of employees, it is imperative that every manager knows that the people on the front lines are of the utmost importance. Quality employees are the people who make sure the cash drawers balance and the people who represent the business through customer service. Without good employees, a business cannot succeed. Treat your employees with the utmost respect, and be sure to listen to their problems and attempt to help. In addition, try to resolve a problem with an employee's performance rather than immediately terminate them. No matter what kind of economy we are in, it is always difficult to find good help.


2. An ego can ruin productivity and progress.

You have traveled a long road to become a manager. More often than not, you have gone through every phase of a business to get to where you are at. For that, you have the respect of all of your employees. However, don't let “being the boss” get to your head. Many great managers get so corrupted with power that it severely impedes productivity and progress. Talk to customers and employees on an equal level and listen to suggestions. A minimum wage worker could very well give you a piece of advice that saves you thousands of dollars in a year. Always be open to help and advice.


3. Most decisions are situational.

When managing a business, there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” solution. The best managers are the people who can assess a problem and come up with the right solution to that specific event. The best business opportunities are available to people who can think on their feet. You have to be able to adapt and think quickly and rationally to keep your business running at an optimal level. Make sure to deal with every problem independently. Don't make sweeping changes for one problem. If there is one employee that violates company policy, don't take it out on everyone.


4. Give equal amounts of praise and criticism.

Discouraging your employees is one of the worst things a manager can do. However, there are times where reprimand is necessary. If you don't criticize your employees when they make poor decisions, you aren't doing your job. One guideline to go by is to give out equal praise and criticism. If someone messes up, let them know that it isn't acceptable and give them a reason why. Conversely, if someone does a particularly good job with operations, customer service or something to that effect, let them know. A compliment or small bit of praise can go a long way...it lets the employee know that you are observant and know what is going on.