・Respect employees values and beliefs
It is not uncommon for bosses and their staff to hold different values and beliefs. Differences in values result in differences in points of views. In an office where many different people work, differences in values are unavoidable. The combination and variety of these different ideas, however, may bring about a degree of vitality in the office as a result. It is the job of supervisors to respect the values of their staff, facilitate a healthy exchange of views, make sense of these differences and focus these towards a common working goal. They should never reject an employee with different values, or distance a member of staff who has different ideas. They will destroy not only the confidence of the employee directly concerned, but also that of other staff, if they proceed like this.
・Be careful not to dominate the conversation
It is not unusual for a boss who "makes many opportunities to speak to staff" to dominate the conversation, and never actually listen to what their staff have to say. Certain bosses believe that their staff are unable to speak coherently, and it is therefore more effective if they themselves do all the talking. One-sided conversations like these only make staff feel that their boss is forcing ideas on them, and a bond between the boss and staff can never be built.
3 Debate
Discussion may turn to debate at times when managers and staff hold conflicting points of view. Debate, if conducted skillfully, may result in excellent work, and is also useful as a means to guide and develop staff. If it is not carried out properly, however, debate could destroy the bond between the boss and their staff, and may impede the progress of work.
It is important to note the following points when you engage in a debate with your staff.
・Express your ideas in a straight forward manner.
・Listen respectfully to the other's point of view.
・Do not dominate the debate.
・Do not deviate from the issue/topic of debate.
・Address each other's comments respectively.
・Do not get emotional.
・Supply all information necessary to the debate. Never try to conceal or withhold information.
・Do not act in a negative manner towards the other's ideas.
・Do not try to force your ideas.
・Adopt good ideas produced by your staff.
