How to be a Realistic Employer
Not too long ago I quit my job. It wasn't a kind quit. There was no notice. I gave no warning. I had no issue with leaving them all of my work to finish thus putting them behind.
I have to bring you up to speed though. I've worked since I legally could, and even a bit before.
I'm responsible. I work hard. I kiss just enough ass to let them know that I care. Often I really do care, sometimes even a little too much. Hence, a job must really be sucking the essence of my soul from ear with a straw for me to up and leave.
I realize that some of these supervisors and managers have been working in the same position for a while and no longer have a grasp on what it's like to be told what to do. They've lost sight of how to relate to people. All I can offer are some simple rules to follow to keep your employees and your respect.
Relax with the fake smiles and laughter.
You are in charge, not an audience. Some things just aren't that funny. It is the minority of people who think everything they say is hilarious. I am well aware when something isn't funny, and it can eventually come across as if you are mocking people.
The unnecessary thanking has gotten out of hand.
Office language can be identified with every sentence ending with "thank you" or "thanks". All statements, questions, exclamations, and interactions all seem to be ending with that word. Polite is one thing, redundant is another.
Employees no longer feel appreciated when they get the same gratitude for rushing a project as remembering to return a bathroom key.
This one is really hard for a lot of people, yet, extremely simple:
Stop gossiping.
Now, gossiping is human, everyone talks, but you need to be careful who you are talking to. My previous supervisor blatantly favored a fellow employee because she could get the dirt from her.
Don't do this. You are alienating your employees and giving an impression that if there is a chance for anyone to move up, it will be the gossiper, no matter how unqualified they may be.
Cool it with the sex jokes and references.
We have friends for those sort of things. I'm 22 and find sex discussion to be completely unnecessary in the work environment. I don't want to know about your weekend plans or dildo purchase. Let's keep it clean for the kids.
Don't talk up mundane tasks!
We both know that some things are boring and not particularly important. We are both aware the globe would keep turning if I didn't make 17 copies by 3pm.which we both now I can, will, and have it completed be by 1. I often wondered if this was because of my age. If that is the case, you need to have some kids of your own and use that tone at home.
Last, but not least: (this was the main reason I quit)
Stop crying wolf.
Stop causing panic, no more discussion of how clients are pulling out, and lay off the weepy looking face. The problems in my work environment were not the fault of the entry level. It was not the fault of the mid level. It was a company wide issue of poor communication and a lack of quality service from managers. Stop placing blame where it isn't deserved with pointless stress. Once we are at max no matter what you say will make us work harder or faster. However, our job searching skills will sky rocket.
I'm sure you have thought of at least six dozen other reasons you have quit jobs. Lousy hours,poor work conditions, a lack of movement, or low pay all play big parts too. These are just the issues I found to be the biggest reasons for me to quit at the time. "Suck it up and deal with it,"and "we all have to pay our dues" are phrases constantly thrown around to keep people in jobs they hate.
You really just have to step back and realize that it isn't a necessity to be unhappy and hate where you are. Don't forget that.
