You just got the promotion to head honcho over several employees.  You’re extremely proficient in the mechanics of your position, but dealing with the human side of your position may prove to be a bit more challenging to conquer.  

People are diverse creatures, and effectively managing a diverse office can be chaos if you’re not equipped to handle the challenges presented.  Take some time now to educate yourself a bit, and check out this brief overview of a few helpful tips for conquering the art of managing people.

Listen and communicate effectively

It’s important to keep your employees in the loop on information regarding big projects and deadlines.  They want to know that they’re getting somewhere and that the work they are doing is edging the company towards their ultimate goal.  

Listening effectively is also crucial to a copacetic office environment.  When your employees don’t feel as though you are listening to their ideas and complaints, respect is a lot harder to build.  Treat others as you would have them treat you, and you’ll have less conflict in the workplace.

Learn to empathize with others

Working in an environment with so many different personalities, there are bound to be life issues to conquer.  Empathy is key to building relationships with your employees. Learn to empathize with others, and you’ll form a cohesive team in the workplace.  

If someone calls into work because their dog died, you need to show that you care about the mental pain they are feeling in the moment.  Even if you don’t consider a dog dying to be a big deal, your professional just lost a member of the family.  

Acknowledge professionals who excel

When professionals in your workplace put forth a stellar effort, that work should be acknowledged and rewarded.  People never lose the love for praise and reward, and a public pat on the back goes a long way in the workplace.

Set a good example for those around you

You can’t run a business expecting your employees to do things you yourself won’t do.  As a leader, you have to set a positive example for those around you.  Make sure you’re not late to work.  Work hard while you’re in the office, and provide support for others in the workplace.  

Manage workplace conflict swiftly

The first sign of conflict in the workplace means that you need to step up and diffuse the situation swiftly.  Ignoring a brewing office storm won’t work out well for anyone.

Address the complication right away, and find a compromise to suit both parties.  It is best to take both employees to a neutral location (like your office), and talk out the issue with a third-party perspective.