You will know you are a pouncer if your employees run for cover every time they see you coming!
When you manage by manipulation, blame or other negative behaviors, employees fail to trust you. Pouncing on mistakes rarely builds teamwork, positive morale or job satisfaction. It’s a sign that you need to improve your leadership and management skills. It also signals a low EQ when you come across as a critical parent.
Sadly, many bosses believe this “gotcha” mindset builds loyalty. That couldn’t be further from the truth. It only alleviates your own boredom with the ongoing challenges you experience when working with people and/or systems. Your emotional frustrations should be shared one-on-one with a coach or therapist. Failure to do so can lead to an executive meltdown and limit your career options.
We all make mistakes. If you and your employees are not periodically making mistakes, no one is growing with the business. But if the same mistakes are being made over and over, it’s time to review systems and create a plan for improvement. Often training is missing, or the person is in the wrong job. No amount of pouncing or complaining will fix these problems without positive tactical and/or strategic intervention.
Don’t expect your employees to take the blame when you make an error. It’s up to you to apologize quickly and work with your employee(s) to clean up issues. Learn to laugh at yourself. Have compassion for others. Take responsibility early and be accountable to get a problem resolved. How you handle setbacks is an example that your employees will mimic or use against you. Remember, every problem contains an inherent solution. Your job is to be open to finding it along with your employees.
Walk it out. Write it out. Talk it out. It can be lonely as the boss. If you are someone who lets your frustration get the best of you, regardless of the reason, take time for yourself. Get enough exercise. Keep a very private journal (not at work). Hire a coach for confidential conversations that will reduce your stress level and generate solutions. (http://SeibCo.com/contact) Simply talking out issues can help you resolve them quicker and improve your management style. Don’t forget to include practice sessions of talking with your coach or boss before you have those uncomfortable conversations.
Jeannette Seibly has been an international business and executive coach for over 20 years. She has guided the creation of three millionaires. Are you the next one? http://SeibCo.com/contact
©Jeannette Seibly, 2010-2014