Leadership Best Practices and Employee Performance

Book excerpt: This phenomenological study explored leadership best practices among senior managers in the telecommunications industry to determine the perceived effects that such routines had on actual employee performance. The study took place in Southern Georgia in the United States from January 16 to February 18, 2014 and involved interviews with ten selected managers who held the role of customer service manager for a minimum of 2 years and were identified as top performers based on the ranking and rating reports from industry data. Participants identified employee-oriented perspectives on leadership, performance, process, learning, training, and development as key factors in improving follower performance. The research determined perceived best leadership practices that play a role in nurturing a work environment, enabling the organization to become more productive and competitive. It was determined that leaders should create a working environment where there is increased employee engagement and participation; communicate goals, gain employee understanding, and apply communication styles that fit the need of each employee at all levels; identify and plan opportunities for growth for employees through training and development; recognize the importance of personally engaging with their employees; and, understand the importance of having regular meetings to update employees about new products and services. This will result is greater employee decision-making ability and in turn a more productive employee with a higher level of performance.