How to kick those irritating supervisory habits that employees complain about
Like most people, managers are rarely perfect. They allow themselves to acquire a range of personal quirks and annoying habits that can become extremely irritating to their staff members. Over time, there is a danger that these mannerisms will ossify and become integral and unattractive parts of their personalities and managerial styles. You can guard against the most irritating and frustrating of these habits by heeding the following advice...
1. Do not skimp on praise.
"You rarely compliment me on a job I think I've done well."
Everyone responds well to praise. One or two compliments won't take much of your time but will do wonders for an employee's morale. Why not make a quick visit to the workroom or office or send a short note to a staff member who deserves praise for a job well done?
2. Be decisive when decisions are required.
"You avoid making decisions."
First, clarify the real problem: Is it your poor decision-making ability or simply procrastination? If it’s the former, read the literature on decision-making; and also make sure that your staff clearly understand where your decision-making responsibility ends and theirs begins. If it’s procrastination, a problem is sometimes best attacked after you have spent time thinking about it. In other cases, a lack of action will only inflame the issue. As a supervisor, you are expected to make timely decisions based on the available evidence and information.
3. Be available when needed.
"You're always too inaccessible."
Schedule regular staff or department meetings. Make yourself available for urgent matters and at least be accessible by appointment for non-urgent issues. Don't go overboard, however - an open-door policy can become very time-consuming.
