By Tina O’Conner

A quote found on social media, “a bad manager can take a good staff and destroy it, causing the best employees to flee and the remainder to lose all motivation.”

The flip side of the quote is a positive manager can take a good staff and make them excellent; retaining their staff to increase productivity and ownership of accomplishments.

Most of us know early in life whether we have leadership or follower qualities. Both are necessary to get things done. A leader cannot even be a leader without followers. And every leader at some point was a follower.

Remember, too, that we are all human beings and need direction. Leaders have an opportunity to create a positive or hostile work environment. A manager’s leadership style will determine what environment is created. Please take a moment now to reflect on your “style” of leadership.

Some thoughts about being a positive leadership mentor:

1. Clearly communicate goals, responsibilities, and expectations.
2. Ask for constructive feedback.
3. Develop a team mentality.
4. Encourage your staff to take their lunch and breaks.
5. Encourage your staff to seek EAP support or outside therapeutic help if needed.
6. Appreciate your staff’s strengths and encourage education for continued professional growth.
7. Resolve conflict quickly and fairly
8. Utilize your people skills.
9. Practice the positive qualities you appreciated from your previous leaders.
10. Look at the big picture from your staff’s perspective.

Each day brings an opportunity for reflection. An excellent staff is one that looks forward to coming to work each day. How each leader manages their work environment, creates an atmosphere for health and productivity.

It’s the journey of each leader and follower that brings life and motivation to be our best selves and not just the outcome. Honor the process that moves your team from survival to life.
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Tina L. O’Connor, MS, NCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has a private counseling practice in Parkesburg. Tina attended college in Phoenixville and West Chester. Tina and her husband Doug have three amazing adult stepchildren and two beautiful grandchildren. Tina can be reached at Experience Positive Therapy via telephone at (610) 857-8089 or email at exppostherapy1@verizon.net.