There aren’t a lot of managers out there who excel at everything. Many of them are good at being organized, or they are good at payroll, or perhaps they have a knack for selling that their staff doesn’t even have. Rarely is a manager good at everything. So as manager you have to learn the difference between what you can do and what you can’t do, and where to make up for your shortcomings.
Many managers get to their position by being good at the job they were at. They are often good business people and not always the best people person. For the manager who lacks leadership skills, the best thing that they can do is to make the effort. Employees understand that not every manager will be their best friend, and most are not looking for that. Many just want someone who treats them like they matter. Taking a few minutes each week getting to know them a little bit better will go a long way.
You want the most out of your employees and therefore must give a little in order to get. Ask your employees about their week. Ask them about their families. There is nothing that says you need to make these conversations long or involved. Most employees understand that in many cases you are just making small talk, but if you take the time to get to know them you are assured that they will go the extra mile for you.
Other ways of being personable will help you. A firm handshake every time you see them is a simple way to let them know that you are acknowledging them. Ordering pizza or another type of food every couple of weeks will be a good will gesture that your employees will recognize. These aren’t things that are going to make you the most popular boss ever, but they will go a long way in the way they view you.