Are You A Dominator or an Encourager?

I bet you've seen them or have worked for them - the 'manager' who is dictatorial - he or she manages by dictum - they know everything (just ask them) and dominate by telling everyone what to do and how to do it. There is little room for any alternative views - and suggesting improvements meets with stony silence or worse, a transfer to another department (or company). That manager is a Dominator.

Managing people isn't about that - it's about getting everyone on the same page. Working for a Dominator reduces morale and ultimately, employees are going to leave. It's ironic - in a time where executives consider employee retention the number one critical issue facing their businesses,they still allow Dominators to manage their employees.

Don't be a Dominator. Be an Encourager.

It's really tempting to tell your employees how to do every little thing. "That's the way I want it done," is a common refrain.

But at what cost? You hired these employees because they brought something to the table - their job history, their education and/or their personality. Let them use that!

Here's a formula to long-term success as a manager.

Allowing employees to collaborate and giving them freedom (within parameters) to complete their tasks using their talents (and a minimum input from you) = happy employees.

Happy employees will stay with you.

If you have happy employees, they will worker harder, find more ways of succeeding and help you succeed.

Don't take just my word for it - look at what the Wharton School of Business says.

Find out what your employees what - give it to them - and reap the rewards of long-term success.