Archive

Dear Workforce How Do I Convince a Manager to Drop Her Dictatorial Style

By Staff Report

Aug. 20, 2004

A Dear No Autocrats Allowed:



Aren’t the results enough proof that her managerial approach is out of style, not to mention ineffective? If turnover is high under her command, she ought to be wondering why, and examining ways to correct the problem. If not, then she’s probably too close to the situation to realize that it is her managerial style that’s at fault (rather than the young front-liners she’s probably blaming). Advise her to step out of the frame and take a look at the big picture.

Show her statistics on your high turnover and low morale. Show her the value of retaining people. If she still doesn’t get it, take a bolder step.Survey your employees and ask for candid, albeit anonymous, responses to a series of questions about the job and the company management.

Use sample questions like:

  • Would you recommend this job to a friend?
  • Do you work hard and do your best even when no supervisor is watching you?
  • Do you feel valued and appreciated by management?

Surely these andother questions will be the wake-up call she needs to totally revamp her managerial style–or find another career.

SOURCE: Eric Chester,Generation Why, Lakewood, Colorado, September 2003.

The information contained in this article is intended to provide useful information on the topic covered, but should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion. Also remember that state laws may differ from the federal law.

Ask a Question
Dear Workforce Newsletter

Schedule, engage, and pay your staff in one system with Workforce.com.