Running a business while managing employees can be a difficult task, and being a great leader doesn't always come naturally — but that doesn't mean it has to be difficult. Learning about how effective leaders do things differently can help you hone your own leadership skills. From choosing the right employees to being a supportive manager to your staff, here are some of the management techniques of effective leaders. Choose The Right People For The Job Being in a leadership role doesn't have to mean that all the hard work falls on you, nor should it. Choosing the right people is an important early step to success for your business, especially when considering how different personalities come together, function as a team, and help to achieve company goals. Employees should not only have the right skills to do the job; they should also fit into and help to cultivate company culture. Build A Rapport Build a good working relationship with your team by taking a proactive approach to establishing a rapport with your staff — sometimes this is as simple as being a good listener. Get to know your team by learning about their out-of-office interests as well as their professional goals. Knowing the people you're managing on both a personal and professional level will make them feel more valued and, in turn, more likely to give you their best efforts. Delegate Wisely Once you're staffed with talented employees whom you trust and know well, you can — and should — delegate some of the responsibilities that you no longer have the time to tackle on your own. Knowing your employees' strengths and weaknesses will help you delegate tasks wisely to the people who are best suited for the job. Trust your team with what you know they can handle. Delegating can help you accomplish more, and employees who are entrusted with important tasks will rise up to the challenge while building upon their professional skills. Provide Constructive Feedback Everyone likes to be celebrated for a job well done, and this should be something you do at every opportunity. But it's also important to provide constructive criticism in a positive way, when warranted, that doesn't make an employee feel disheartened. Focus on concrete changes an employee can make to better his work as opposed to abstract ideals to be met. Motivate Don't just delegate — motivate your employees, but don't be overbearing. Not only are fear and anxiety much less effective than proper motivation, but you should want your employees to be happy and comfortable in their roles. Focus on incentivizing work and recognizing accomplishments, and make each employee feel like he is perfectly capable of accomplishing everything you expect from him. Looking to streamline your small business’s workflow? Visit usa.canon.com/maxify. For more tips and inspiration for small business owners, visit Small Business Pulse Minnesota