Ten Ways to Ruin Your Reputation as a Good Manager
March 17, 2005
Being a good manager is hard work. You're expected to be inspiring, understanding, helpful, and supportive at all times. Unlike everyone else, you're not permitted the luxury of making an occasional mistake, or giving into your emotions, or letting the pressures of a stressful work environment ever get to you. You are expected to stand tall, as a shining example of a true leader. For every one of your employees. Every day.
Well, suppose you've decided that it just isn't worth the effort any more. Let's say - strictly hypothetically of course - that you don't care anymore what your employees think of you. In fact, you've decided to show them just how rotten a boss can be. Exactly, how would you go about doing that?
Following is a list of ten proven strategies for demotivating your employees. Engage in any of these behaviors and you'll tarnish your image a bit. Practice them consistently and you can become a real-life Simon Legree.
Oh, and by the way, in case you haven't yet reached the
decision to give up and instead wish to continue to build
your reputation as a good manager, you still might want to
review this list of behaviors just to make sure you aren't
guilty of doing any of them yourself. As you read each one,
think carefully about your own actions. And be honest
with yourself. We're all prone to engaging in various forms
of these behaviors at one time or another. The important
thing is that you recognize it and make a conscious effort
to do better the next time.
- Show as little interest as possible in what your employees are doing. If they need help learning a new task or solving a particular problem, tell them to figure it out on their own. You have your own job to do.
- Keep your office door shut. That's the only way you can get your work done and not be bothered by a bunch of whiners and complainers.
- Make it clear the only opinion that counts is yours. That's why you're the manager. There's no need to ask other people for their ideas. If someone volunteers an idea, be sure to express displeasure by rolling your eyes. Or don't say anything - just frown and give them the thousand-year-stare.
- Don't make a fuss over employees when they perform well. After all, they get a paycheck, don't they? Besides, it's just not your style to praise employees for doing a good job.
- When something goes wrong, quickly look for someone to blame. It'll take the heat off of you for any lack of planning or oversight and will make you look like a strong leader.
- Whenever possible, try to take credit for other people's work. After all, if you hadn't provided the inspiration, guidance and resources, it never would have gotten done.
- Criticize employees frequently and loudly. Use phrases such as, "Where did you get that bone-headed idea?" Or, "How could you be so stupid?" Try to do this while other employees are present. It will serve as a good lesson for them as well. Also, be sure to look for lots of small things to nit-pick. It helps demonstrate your attention to detail.
- If an employee attempts to initiate a conversation with you, act like you're real busy. If you happen to be standing at the time, quickly leave the area. Mutter something about having to return a phone call or something. If seated, try not to look up at the person - stay focused on the papers or screen in front of you. This is also good time to check your e-mail.
- Avoid demonstrating sensitivity to employees' needs. If a person asks to have Wednesday off to attend Aunt Betsey's funeral, tell her it's not a convenient time. Ask if it can be rescheduled for some other day.
- Try to devote as much time as you can on personal activities during the workday, such as personal phone calls, conversations of a social nature, visiting your favorite websites, shopping online, or playing solitaire on your computer. If you've delegated effectively, you should have plenty of time for these activities. Don't worry about what employees think. As long as you require them to follow company policies and work standards, they shouldn't be concerned with what you're doing.
These are ten sure-fire ways to make you unpopular with employees. If that's your purpose. Hypothetically.
Best regards,
Stephen Foster, Ph.D
Expert Supervisor, LLC
1493 Market Street
Tallahassee, FL 32312
(850) 893-5699
E-mail me at: Steve.Foster@ExpertSupervisor.com
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