There is no clear path to success. Do you think that Bill Gates just did philanthropic work when he was starting Microsoft? He was in the office and the lab all those days that Microsoft was just an idea he was working on. He toiled for it. He researched. He tested. He made strides. And even when he hit gold, the multibillionaire kept on working and finding ways to be better. That’s essentially what you should do when you’re an office manager. You need to be hard on yourself at times.
During an annual audit, for example, you need to be hands-on in the inventory of the products that your business is selling. You need to be present when the audit happens. You need to confirm that your sales and expenses balance each other out. Lastly, it is your responsibility to ensure that your finance and accounting department is remitting benefits to the employees and paying the right taxes. Otherwise, you might find yourself facing litigation or getting your business shut down.
Set out Expectations
Even before your employees begin working for you, they should already know that you have great and heavy expectations from them. Your hiring manager should tell prospective candidates that you run a tight ship. If they are still interested in the position and appear for the briefing, that’s the perfect time to discuss your expectations.
You shouldn’t have to worry about little things such as tardiness and messiness. These shouldn’t be a problem at all if they know what is expected of them—come to work on time and keep the office uncluttered. You don’t have to reprimand anyone if they know how to act around the office. There should be a culture of success and discipline in place.
Embrace Technology
Modern devices and apps make it really easy for workmates to collaborate on projects. Doing research is easier and faster, too. Harness the tools that technology has provided you with. Let your employees use their phones for business calls if they feel like it. Don’t be too strict with rules as long as your data are kept safe.
Make sure that your employees have access to the Internet no matter where they are in your office. If someone in their families is sick, allow them to work from their homes. Sometimes, they don’t even want to take the day off because their work will pile up. Find a way to use the multitude of apps available to improve efficiency and productivity.
Set Realistic Goals
If your goal is to reach one thousand followers by the week’s end, then that is not a challenge or even a goal. That’s an impossible task that you’re putting solely on your employees’ capable shoulders. Set reachable goals and specific schedules for their achievements. Once a milestone is reached, commend your employees. They seek validation and appreciation from their bosses, too.
Schedule Meetings
You hired your employees because they are great at what they do. Trust them enough to schedule a regular meeting where they will be allowed to voice their opinions about some company policies and directions. You can improve procedures, strategies, and processes if you know how to listen to your employees.
Running a tight ship in the office doesn’t mean that you should be a scary boss. It means knowing that things are expected from you. It’s setting a culture where productivity and efficiency are the primary goals.
