Management mistakes that make employee jobs harder

I have seen so many owner/managers make common mistakes that destroy employee morale and their effectiveness and then they point the finger at staff instead of looking in the mirror.

Bob Greenwood

Take a hard look and make sure these are not common in your business and if any of them are, correct it!

We all know that running a business in these times is a stressful experience to say the least however, without management paying attention to their messages and actions, they actually hinder their business through treatment of their employees.

Consider these common mistakes:

1). Take on too many changes at once: When management is trying to change 10 things at once, the staff cannot figure out where the company is going and clearly see how their role fits in. They become confused which in turn deflates them. Make only 2 changes at a time and get them working properly before moving on. Crisis management can destroy a good team. Prioritize to two tasks at a time and keep it simple.

2). Owners who give incomplete direction and expect people to read your mind: Management is always overbooked with their personal time and they are always in a hurry. Their time is more important than anyone else’s which seemingly gives management the “license” to tell people half of what they need to know and then bring them to task when they guessed wrong on the rest. Slow down and communicate the detail required to each staff member.

3). Control or limit information flow: Are you an owner/manager guilty of “you don’t need to know that,” “you’ll find out when I think it is time”, “always check with me”, “just do this” – these are clear examples of micromanaging and controlling behavior that totally reduces employee effectiveness. A team member left “out of the loop” can never be a team member “in the loop”.

4). Let everyone walk all over you: If you’re a “wimpy doormat”, then more assertive and aggressive peers will more effectively sell their ideas to you which will take you and your staff off the proven course you were following. Did you get caught looking for a silver bullet and not understand the time frame to accomplish the original objectives? If you don’t believe in yourself, your company and fight for your people, it’s all downhill – not just for you, for everyone in the shop.

5). Let your employees take the heat when you should be accountable: This truly is inexcusable for the simple reason that your people are your responsibility. When they succeed, it reflects well on you. When they fail or screw up, that should reflect poorly on you. Management/owners must be accountable to their own company, not be scarce when someone is beating up your people. The fact is it is easier to replace a customer than it is a good staff member.

The above mentioned points are but a few, however ultimately good shop owners/managers provide employees with the following direction:

– The tools and training they need to do their jobs effectively.

– Daily communication regarding objectives and how the shop is performing as a team

– They provide employees with a challenging, engaging, and rewarding work environment.

Pay close attention to your daily actions and to the level of communication with each individual within the company.

You have great people on your team now let them see what a great employer they are associated with.