How do I strengthen my people skills when I've been labeled a hard butt?

Question

I am a manager in retail. I have always been a strong manager, but not strong in my people skills. I was accused of talking down to people. I don't see it, but I'd like to better myself not only as a person, but as a manager. So how do I change the perception that these people have of me without kissing their butts?

Answer 1

Keep your edge and stay on the path you have set for yourself. Doing anything else will take away from the person your employer hired and promoted.
What all great leaders do that is very important is listen to your personal. Be an active listener and show them that you are listening. Does not mean that you have to take their thoughts and run with them. But when people think that they are being heard builds their esteem.
Alson try thinking before you speak. Use different words that can get peopel motivated in a postive way.

Answer 2

Ok, first of all, do you micro manage? By this I mean constantly looking over everyone shoulder and "nit picking" at every little thing. If you have a reliable crew you shouldn't have to micro manage. Just tell them what you need and have the trust that these people have the skills to get done what's needed. That usually can help a lot.

There was an "open door" policy at my job. Anyone could come in and request to talk to manager if they were not in a meeting. It helped to hash out any possible concerns or problems and people felt like they were listened to.

The person who mentioned that you "talk down to people" perhaps try asking them for examples as to what they mean. You might also ask them for advice on how to better your people skills.

I've found out through the years that others are some of the best help you can have in bettering yourself because they see you as others see you, not as you see yourself. If you're willing to take some constructive criticism than this is a possible way to go.

I think there may be some classes out there to help with people skills as well. Just do a net search. :)

Answer 3

I am also a manager to the company that I work for and I do extremely well. I should tell you that the secret of being a good leader is to have your people's respect. Stay as you are right now, a strong manager, but always set aside a personal time to spend with your people and just talk about anything as long it has nothing to do with your job. Do this often until your people realizes that they can talk to you in the right place and at the right time. Try this and I'll guarantee you that you will enjoy your job more.

Answer 4

Forget them! If you get the job done then Good For You! I am not a manager but I like to work for people who don't BS and don't mess around. So what if they think you are a *****. If you were a man you would be labled as a "Go Getter"!

But if you really want to seem "softer" try this:
Try talking to people instead of barking out orders. Listen when people talk to you. Treat them how you would want to be treated. Try to put yourself in their shoes. Hopefully this will work and soon you will have your own store.

Answer 5

whip them harder and show them that you are master. as a manager at the end of the day do you want them to like you or collect a paycheck next week. sorry its blunt and very un-compassionate but so is big business.
the right answer is goggle up management personality traits. been there done that. the answer you will have to soul search when you are ready, is the bottom line more important than the people we oppress?

Answer 6

In retail business you have to deal with some people, who don't do their job properly or sometimes even late but talking down to people is a habit of snobs. Ask yourself if you are one of those snobs.
You can tell people about mistakes they made, two different ways. It is in your power to make them feel like a worthless dirt bags or make them to show their best qualities.
Compare next phrases:
" This report is full BS, person who wrote it is mindless, lazyb**t"
and
" I'd like you to change this, clear this and specify that."

Learn to Talk with people respectfully as if they were your equals, even with most "challenged" ones.

.

Answer 7

try letting them know that you what them all to do well, not only for the company they work for, but in everyday life too. Try telling them it is not only the company that is very important to you, but that as they learn how to meet and exceed your expectation, and that this will serve them well too, their commitment to excellence at work will help them meet other challenges in life. As well the more the company does in sales, the better it is for them, job security, salarie, and satisfaction.

Other than that, you could have a staff barbecue, or something like that once a month, just for moral.

Answer 8

There are so many great books out there that deal with the exact problem that you are having. The best one I have read is "The Servant" by James Hunter. I promise that this book will help you. I put a link on the bottom for you to check it out.

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&isbn=0761513698&itm=3

Answer 9

just show respect that they are people, and keep a close atch on how you say things. Like insted of demnding people, (even if you don't mean it) ask them. Pose it as you are asking a favor of an equal, or even someone slightly above you for now. It is okay to kiss *** a little.

Answer 10

I saw this question, and I was gonna say, "Dude, get into management." Then I read your details here.

So what's the problem? You're already in management!