As private business owners or managers, there is a laundry list of things that employees do that frustrate you and seem counterproductive. But what about the things you do that irritate workers? I’ve listed three common frustrating things managers do that decrease productivity in the office.
Tell capable, experienced employees how to do their jobs
“The dumbest mistake a boss can make is to hire experienced professionals and then to tell them HOW to do their job rather than WHAT the boss wants accomplished,” author Geoffrey James matter-of-factly wrote in a column for BNET.
I don’t know if I would say that’s the dumbest mistake a boss can make, but few things are more frustrating for employees. From a worker’s point of view, the person was hired because of a proven track record in an area where you, the manager, don’t have as much experience. When bosses tell an employee how to do his or her job, it’s sending a signal that the managers don’t trust the worker or value the experience he or she brings to the table.
Insist that everything needs to get done ASAP
Oftentimes we’re under a lot of pressure to get things done, so we tell people that we need everything done at once or that we need things done as soon as possible (or both). But everything can’t get done at once—that’s the unfortunate reality.
Help your employees accomplish what you value as the most important items on their plates first by prioritizing their to-dos. You’ll get what you want—the most important task completed—and they’ll have one less thing on their plate to worry about. Plus, everyone will be on the same page.
For even higher productivity, you can also provide tips for prioritizing, which empowers employees to prioritize on their own, or encourage using different applications, such as Things or Wunderlist, that help them organize their tasks.
Multitask or ignore employees
We’re all guilty of glancing at the phone to check the latest email or text when we’re with co-workers or in meetings. But that small act can send the wrong signals to your staff like “This text is more important than you even though you’re standing in front of me” or “You’re only worthy of half of my attention.” It sounds extreme but I bet that you would feel disrespected if an employee were texting during a meeting or checking email when you stop by their desk to talk.
It’s just as frustrating to employees when you ignore an email or phone call that needs your attention, whether that be approval, feedback, etc. How can you expect a worker to complete a task that involves you when you won’t respond? Make a conscious effort to fulfill your end of the bargain by answering in a timely manor. Then, you each have one less thing to do.
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