ave you noticed that in the last several years — and certainly after the pandemic — companies must do more with less? Businesses are constantly challenged to remove cost to win in an increasingly competitive market. Of course, they must do this without negatively impacting the bottom line or customer service. This feat can be achieved by improving processes, upgrading equipment and/or using resources more efficiently. The most critical resource that can make the biggest impact is people. As a leader, it is imperative that you do everything in your power to get the most out of your team.
So far, I have been talking about the fun stuff. My favorite part of being a leader is watching people grow not only in their career but also personally. There is another side that is not as easy, but it is one of the most important things you can do for someone. Sometimes, you have to accept that a person is not a good fit and you are unable to get them there. The best thing you can do for them is to be transparent, give specific examples and be kind. If you have to let them go, it should not be a surprise to them and, believe it or not, some will thank you. The way you handle these tough scenarios will impact your team and the level of trust they have in you as a leader.