Manager’s Blind Spots
We all have blind spots in work and in our personal lives. It’s those areas that make life a little or alot more difficult. In management, the overall false believe is that you need to know it all, yet a great manager knows that there is always room to learn, to get better and to let others teach them.
Are you a manager who believes you know better, have all the answers, and that you are more important to the company than your employees? If so, step back and ask yourself “is that true?” Just asking the question will open a potential new frame of reference for you in managing employees.
“5 Reasons You Aren’t a Great Boss” by Jeff Haden on Inc.com. The points he makes are helpful in any part of our lives.
Asking questions because you don’t understand may be embarrassing for you, but it’s even more embarrassing for your employees, especially if they’re afraid to look back in front of you. (“If I ask a question, the boss will think I don’t know my job…”)
Employees will emulate your behavior. If you are restricted in your work performance, they will restrict what they give you. If you ask questions to learn more, they will feel more comfortable asking questions to get clarity and potentially be more productive.
You are a leader and in your role of managing employees, be aware of your own behaviors as they set the standards for your team members.
Be well,
Pat
