Don’t be a bad boss

A bad boss can destroy morale if they are quick to criticise, slow to praise, humiliate someone rather than help develop them. A boss who takes credit for the staff’s achievements but blames them for failure will often have a high turnover of staff and foster a culture of hostility. When a boss creates a toxic environment and beats down effort and enthusiasm the brightest of employees become despondent and lethargic.

Here are some things to avoid if you’re a boss. Firstly don’t keep asking one particular staff member if they want to be involved in a specific project they’re interested in only to give it to someone else to do it at the last minute and without warning. Not only is this disappointing to the staff member but it also creates an atmosphere of mistrust and destroys unity. Whatever project they are given instead may well be approached half heartedly. Try to keep all staff members informed of projects and decisions. It’s ok to feel disappointed for a moment but that’s different from carrying feelings of being cheated or devalued.

Be careful how to give feedback to the team. Imagine someone new to the team working hard on a project only to be told, ‘That’s wrong that’s not how we do that here.’ Referring to policies and procedures is one thing but don’t forget that people are employed for their skills and experiences. An organisation can benefit from new ideas. Being too pedantic can crush morale and creativity.

Laughing at a staff member who is struggling without offering any support creates contempt and resentment not just towards the boss but to the organisation if it is seen to be the culture there. This can lead to lack of loyalty and little to no effort being given to tasks.  A good boss won’t necessarily solve the problem, but will encourage staff to explore solutions from a wide range of sources or signpost them to someone who can help. A good leader is a resource not a hindrance.

‘Because I say so’ isn’t a good reason for anyone to do anything. Instructions don’t need to be followed just because of someone’s position. If a member of staff asks why something is done a particular way is it so unreasonable to give an explanation? This can help them understand the bigger picture.

As always though there is balance. It’s ok to offer support but not to do the task for them. Just because a staff member doesn’t understand or like a particular task it doesn’t mean they don’t have to do it. Rules aren’t there to be broken they’re there to provide guidance and boundaries. A bad boss can be responsible for a high turnover of staff which costs more but a good boss can bring out the best in people and generate an encouraging work environment.

 

#bullying #badboss #workplacestress

Tags: bad boss, bully, counselling, workplace bullying