4 Tips For Successfully Managing a Large Staff

Managing a large staff can be rewarding, but nonetheless challenging. As a manager, it’s up to you to bring together a potentially diverse group of people and inspire them to work towards a common goal for the ultimate success of the company.  

Yet, the bigger the team, the more challenges, and obstacles you’ll face. When balancing the needs of various personalities and skill levels, you’ll need the right approach. If you manage a large staff, here are some of the best tips for cultivating a harmonious team where everyone wins— including your customers.

Prioritize Communication

Communication is the cornerstone of any successful team, regardless of your industry, and even more important amongst a large staff. With so many moving parts and team members, things can easily get lost in translation or skipped over altogether.

For this reason, you should establish a communication schedule with regular team meetings, shared calendars, and chat tools. Above all, be available for your staff at all times should they need to address concerns or questions, since it’s crucial for the good of the team that everyone is on the same page. Because when everyone is on the same page, there is no question about what everyone’s responsibilities are. 

Be Flexible With Schedules

There may be times when your staff members need to ask for time off for personal reasons or shift their schedules around.  While you may not be able to approve everyone’s requests, you should try to be as flexible as possible.  Sometimes it’s a matter of using your better judgment.  

If someone asks for time off to visit a family member in an assisted living facility on the same day that another staff member asked for time off to go to a concert, you could find yourself in a sticky situation.  Flexibility and creativity are key when overcoming scheduling obstacles. 

Know How to Delegate

Delegation is crucial when managing a large staff.  Otherwise, it would be impossible to carry out your job. You couldn’t possibly take on every task or decision-making process yourself— which is why you have a staff in the first place.

Delegate responsibilities to team members based on their strengths and personality. The more you delegate based on individual strengths, the more you’ll empower your team as a whole. 

Once you delegate, trust your staff to carry out their tasks independently. You won’t just free up your time but you’ll also foster a sense of pride amongst your staff and, in turn, boost team morale.

Foster a Positive Work Environment

A positive work environment is essential for your team’s productivity. You can encourage a positive work environment by promoting respect, teamwork, and mutual support. An environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated is one that is more productive— it’s that simple. 

When people feel not only recognized but rewarded for their work, they’re much more likely to deliver their best performance every time.

Always Be Open to Feedback

As a team leader, it is crucial to be open to feedback from your team. Be not only willing to listen but also willing to adjust your approach.

The best leaders know the importance of being flexible and open to new ideas for the greater good of the team.