A Simple Equation
So, for businesses, large or small, I have a simple equation for you:
Good management + Good working environment = Happy employees and more productivity
It is not hard is it? Yet some businesses (read most) get it so, so wrong. A manager has a HUGE responsibility to the people he or she manage. They should be supportive, listen, attentive, encouraging and respectful.
Bad managers are impatient, intimidating, bullying, short-tempered and uncaring. Ok, they often have a load of other things they should be doing, and in most instances the company / organisation give them far too many other tasks to do, with no thought about how much time they should be spending with their reports and team.
This is where the wheels fall off the wagon and it all goes pear-shaped. Why?
Because their people, their team is their most vital and important asset.
Neglect them, bully them, ignore them, make them fearful of your reaction, then you are failing badly. If you make your team, your people your fans, then your job will be easier, you will be more successful.
You must give your team time and support. You don’t need to be their best mate, but treat them well, and you will thrive and be respected back.
If you have a manager who has no time for you, then tell them – make it VERY clear to them that they are failing you.
People should never feel unhappy and nervous at work – if they do, then something is VERY wrong. Bullying and unprofessional behaviour in the work environment should never, ever be tolerated. Don’t let these people get away with it. They often do because people don’t speak up. Make sure you do.
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Possibly a little too simplistic, Jon?
If business were as simple as: ‘treat people nice = have untold success’, I’m sure you an I would now be millionaires
(ok, maybe one of us would be…).
I’m not convinced by the softly softly approach either, as not everybody is the same; it’s my belief that some people need to be ‘bullied’ in order to get the best from them. We’re entering Cliché City, but horses for courses…
Also, the most important asset in a business is its liquid funds, not a friendly Derek.
Vive la Capitalism!
Oh, and by the way, your clock is an hour slow.
Hey Andy,
Simplistic in the whole scheme of busines, yes, of course! But management of teams, no. I agree that some people need firm instructions, but NEVER bullying. Respect is important and recognising some people need different types of management.
As to the clock, I’ll check now! Ta!
Bullying in the workplace creates resentment and even sabotage.
Bullying is a major problem in schools and has led bullied students to suicide.
Anyone who thinks bullying is a strategy for future success is living in a feudal fantasy of his own control issues.
I find it chilling that Andy praises bullying as a legitimate aspect of capitalism via his “Viva la Capitalism” sign off. [He misspelled Viva.]
That attitude has spun off into Disaster Capitalism – an irresponsible economic pillage that not only bullies, but destroys lives.
It may seem like “good business” to Andy, but his careless attitude detracts from his character and demeans our shared humanity, no matter how substantial his profits.
Clyo, before dismounting from your high horse, you may wish to note the inverted single commas surrounding the word ‘bullied’ in my original post.
To the best of my knowledge I have never bullied anybody, and nor do I wish to. I have, however, geed people along where I have felt it necessary, and I will probably do so again – happily. I would think that 99.99% off all people managers will have had to do this at one time or another.
If you or yours have been bullied then I’m sorry to hear this, but you’ve really jumped to the wrong conclusions in your above comment. I hope Jon will be able to confirm this.
As an aside, ‘Vive la Capitalism’ was used as intended, and is not misspelled, but thank you anyway
Hi Clyo, hi Andy,
Some great points raised, and I have to say that Andy is one of the kindest and most considerate people I’ve met. (If you saw him, you would realise he is not an aggressive person)
Clyo – I am so with you regarding destroying lives. I’ve seen it happen in my old company and I was on the receiving end before I left (thank God).
Authentic business is something I am more and more focused on – honest, real and remarkable business / work / branding. Treat your customers well, and treat your employees even better.