Managers with employees often have relationships that seem
strange. This assumes the manager is
aware of the fact the staff are acting in a manner that suggest problems. Actually, as a manager, it is common to be stuck
on what your needs and goals are and miss all the signals emanating from the
staff.
Take for example a strained relationship where the employee thinks
you are like Scrooge. It is very
unlikely anyone on your team will bring this to your attention by a direct
statement because people feel that providing negative input can result in loss
of their job. When the team is having
problems, they may start to show signs, but you have to be aware of them. One of the signs might be “passive resistance.” As a boss, you might interpret passive
resistance as the person just not performing the job. They may be telling you they have a problem
by saying they will tackle the job, but then go so slow that you would have
been better doing it yourself.
Another indication might be that when you walk through the
building, people are not visible. They may be taking cover because they have
problems being around you. They
recognize your interactions with them are so negative they would like to fade
into the background. Possibly, they are
coming in late or working hours that lessen the interactions. Maybe they are taking extended leave beyond
what seems normal.
Your skills must include an interpretive set that helps to
evaluate the people you work with. They
do not have to love you, but they should respect and feel they can work with
you. When you miss their indicators, you
leave the relationships to chance. Developing these skills is something that
takes time, but will help you in the end.
Take an example of a work place where office workers come in and quit
to take other jobs in less than a year creating a high turnover of employees. One or two workers departing may not raise
your antennae but if this happens repeatedly over several years, you may want
to review the issues and determine if it is YOU. The boss dictates the activities to perform
but never establishes a real relationship with the team. Always working with a demanding boss that
underpays you is not a motivational experience.
Scrooge sometimes had a better relationship with Bob Cratchit than some
bosses have with their team.
A poor attitude toward the team evolves over time and can
eventually creep into the way you behave with your potential partners. Approaching partners with a “hand
full of give me” and offering nothing in return does not lead to a
great relationship. You need your business
partners just as you need your team. None
of them are your slaves or furniture there for your abuse. They are people and want to be treated with
respect and to be recognized.
In short, if things seem to be going strangely around you, perhaps
you need to say, “Interpreter Please.”
This may be someone you trust in the organization or as a mentor that will help
you take a close look and understand better what is taking place. Waiting for the sky to fall is not the way to
run the business and morale will suffer.
Remember, there is no I in TEAM. Treat them as if you need them.
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