Managers - Put That Stick Away!

In these challenging economic times there is a tendency for executives and managers to 'bring out the stick' to drive improved performance and commitment from staff.  Neolithic managers that proclaim about their staff "they're lucky to have a job at all", beware!

Employees' may be fearful of losing their jobs and comply too increased demands but many may just 'keep their heads down', biding their time until the right opportunity comes along to leave if the 'stick' style is part of your company culture. This is no way to build and maintain a successful business.

We know that in times of adversity there comes great opportunity but how can you take advantage? How will you sustain and grow your business in today's economic climate? How will you maintain a competitive edge?

Your most valuable business assets are your people. Are you looking after them? Are you proactively developing their skills, motivation and commitment? Will this valuable asset of knowledge, experience and loyalty wither and die as resources become more and more scarce and ever more is demanded without true recognition and reward, or will you develop and enhance yours and their skills?

How do you communicate with your people?  Are you clear and concise?  Are objectives, responsibilities and parameters clearly defined and explained? Are you guilty of delegating more and more work without providing the right level of support and guidance only to find the job not done to requirements or the person delegated to de-motivated and uncommitted?

Do you delegate less and then take on more and more yourself, feeling burnt out and swamped?

"Why aren't they driven and committed like me?" a thousand managers cry!

 Unless managers take responsibility to communicate clearly, provide encouragement and the correct level of support they will be managing a disenchanted and unproductive workforce.

It is now, in these challenging times that managers need to look to their management style and review company culture and processes to ensure commitment is high and procedures are not obstructive.

Joseph P. Kennedy said, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going". Ask yourself some tough questions and analysis the impact on your team:

"How do I communicate objectives, expectations and parameters?"

"Are job descriptions clear and concise?"

"How is information disseminated?"

 "What is rewarded?"

"What is punished?"

"How do I engender loyalty and commitment?"

All of us want purpose, recognition and respect from our work. So, put that stick away and truly acknowledge how important and valuable your people are to you. Treat them well and they will help you ride out this recession and be ready, with you, when the upturn arrives, as it surely will!