One of the most important factors of having a satisfactory workplace environment is having a healthy relationship between the members of the organisation. There is a delicate line between friendliness and strictness in the workplace. A leader needs to find a neat balance between these two aspects in order to create a good rapport with their employees. This will, in turn, improve the work culture as well as increase the overall productivity and morale of the employees,
As a leader, it is imperative to create an open and comfortable environment for your employees. It can prove advantageous for the employees as it makes them feel secure to share their views and concerns. By creating a transparent atmosphere, it helps in bringing out the creativity of the team members. However, one must be careful in maintaining proper boundaries in employer-employee relationships. The risk of not being professional could create issues like favouritism and challenges in following rules and expectations.
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A lenient work culture might lead to decreased productivity. On the other hand, rigorous leadership can help employees meet their objectives and stick to the expectations of the organisation. However, an excessively strict structure could negatively impact the employees. This can lead to a relationship breakdown where employees do not openly engage within the organisation. It can result in a lack of creativity and feelings of resentment among the employees.
So, what is the solution to this dilemma? The leaders of the organisation must ensure that there is a balance between these aspects. There must be a sense of trust and openness that must be fostered among the employees. They must be able to communicate their concerns openly. It must be received in a non-judgemental and empathetic manner.
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It is also necessary to reward good performance and behaviour as it could encourage growth in the workplace. In case of feedback, it must be provided constructively to ensure that the employees do not feel dispirited. Also, following the same style of leadership would not be fruitful as it does not meet the unique needs of the team. It is important to customise leadership according to the needs of specific situations, recognising that different scenarios and individuals may require different leadership approaches.
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Summing up, it can be said that there must be an equal measure of friendliness and authority. It is through the implementation of a positive workplace culture that maintains proper boundaries that the leaders can help their teams to be and do their best. The way to create a positive workplace environment is by focusing on growth and transparency.
(Henna Ayoob is a highly regarded Consultant Psychologist and entrepreneur in Calicut, Kerala, specialises in psychological well-being. With a focus on sleep science, she is known for her expertise in guiding individuals toward optimal mental health. Henna is committed to fostering a healthier and more balanced lifestyle for her clients.)