Employee Retention: 11 Worst Management Habits
Author David Silverman’s list, 11 Habits of the Worst Boss I Ever Had, is a collection of “demotivational lessons.” Frequent mind changing tops the list.
Again, when employees are left to feel uncertain about goals and expectations, you can be sure you will not get their best. No one feels comfortable in an atmosphere of doubt and insecurity. Mixed messages and mind changes not only confuse and disorient, they also lead to fear about job security. Any employee who is afraid they can’t do their job effectively and may be fired is probably going to look for alternative employment. In addition, any truly motivated person will be out the door the second the opportunity arises. Employers should prize motivation and drive. Nothing kills those attributes like a constantly changing or confusing message.
Silverman’s list is comprised primarily of various degrees of poor communication. As an employer, you should help your managers lay ground rules for communication. Be sure to clearly communicate your goals and, in turn, help your managers to clearly communicate those same goals. Explain the importance of a structure that works. Don’t enforce or encourage meetings for the sake of meetings or any other inflexible bulwark designed for good, but dedicated to a lack of productivity.
In general, employees are happy when they know what they’re working toward, and have the freedom to work toward, goals in the most effective way for them.
Check out Silverman’s complete list at:
http://discussionleader.hbsp.com/silverman/2008/07/the-flip-side-of-leadership.html.
Are you guilty of any of these leadership sins? Be honest…