HR Update - Six steps to good leadership

As you are all well aware, leadership and management play a huge role in the delivery of the EYFS and are a vital part of your Ofsted inspection. Not everyone understands the basics of good management, so I thought I would share some steps to effective management.

Effective listening

To be an effective listener, you need to respond with both verbal and non-verbal cues that let the other person know you are listening and understanding. Effective listening can mean fewer errors and less wasted time.

Coaching

Instead of directing and controlling your staff, use coaching to encourage them to accomplish results on their own initiative.

Responsibility and delegation

Give employees greater responsibility, opportunities to make their own decisions, and the chance to develop their capabilities. Make the most effective use of your time by delegating tasks you don't need to do yourself.

Recognition and motivation

• Everyone likes to be recognised for doing a good job.

• Rewards don't always have to be financial.

• Saying 'thank you' is often enough. Understand what motivates your staff - each individual is different.

Managing conflict

Don't avoid conflict - tackle it straightaway. If you avoid it, matters will only get worse, and avoiding conflict can make you look weak as a manager.

Training

To ensure you have a successful management team you must provide them with the right training. Too often I see staff promoted to management positions in nurseries only to be demoted or dismissed a few months later because they did a poor job. More often than not it's because they have not received the correct training. So make sure you provide training on the basics of managing people otherwise you are setting them up to fail.

Jacqui Mann is managing director of HR4 Nurseries