Introduction

As a manager, you define the work environment and influence the team's overall performance. Knowing the expectations and standards you establish for your team members and how your conduct and leadership style may affect them is critical.

Burns the candle at both ends

When management "burns the candle at both ends," it indicates they work exceptionally long hours with little time off. This action might now create a precedent for the rest of their squad. 

Even if the manager may not openly state, "I want you all to work exactly as hard as I do," the team may feel obligated to match their leader's devotion and sacrifice their own time. Essentially, the leader's behaviors affect the team's expectations.

Avoid unhealthy habits and set clear boundaries that align with the values and integrity of the workplace.

As a manager, preventing harmful habits and establishing clear limits that match the workplace's values and integrity is critical. Here are a couple of such examples:

Physically:

Working for long periods without breaks can lead to exhaustion and decreased productivity. Make self-care a priority and activities that enhance physical and mental wellness, such as exercise and relaxation.

Morally:

Avoid breaching ethical norms by discriminating or harassing conduct or unlawful acts. Set a good example by demonstrating ethical behaviors such as honesty, justice, and respect for others.

Values and honesty:

Maintain the organization's mission and values, and ensure that all activities are consistent. Maintain openness and open communication, and avoid any action that might jeopardize trust or harm the organization's brand.

A manager may assist in establishing a happy and productive work environment that resonates with the organization's values and integrity by avoiding these bad practices and setting clear limits.

Considerations to assess regarding the tone you set for your team:

The style you establish for your team as a manager may influence the work environment and team chemistry. Here are some things to remember while evaluating the tone you set:

Workload: Are you setting realistic expectations for your staff or pushing them to take on more than they can handle?

Communication style: What is your communication style with your team? Do you encourage an open and welcoming environment, or are you more closed-off and intimidating?

Behavior expectations: What type of behavior do you anticipate from your team members? Are you establishing clear guidelines for ethical and professional conduct, or are you more tolerant in this regard?

Leadership style: What leadership style do you possess? Are you personable and helpful, or are you remote and uninvolved?

Feedback and recognition: How do you acknowledge and offer feedback to your team members? Do you emphasize positive reinforcement and constructive criticism, or do you mostly point out what they're doing incorrectly?

By considering these variables, you can evaluate the tone you establish for your team and make changes to better support and engage your team members.

In conclusion, being a successful manager necessitates striking a balance between setting high expectations and promoting a happy work atmosphere. You may establish a work environment that matches the values and integrity of the business and enables your team's success by avoiding harmful behaviors, setting clear limits, and being careful of the tone you set. 

Remember that your actions and conduct set the tone for your team, so review and adapt your approach as necessary.