The company I’ve worked at for 10 years was sold recently. Although I like the new owners, their leadership style is driving my colleagues and me crazy. They launch a new initiative every other month, causing us to drop whatever we’re doing and start from scratch. These new programs are blurring our focus and wasting our time. Not sure I can take much more of this, and would appreciate your thoughts.
– Think Our New Bosses Need a Reality Check
Most bosses don’t mean to waste their employees’ time. Many give orders without realizing how much work their directives entail. In fact, some are downright clueless that they are doing it. Unfortunately, leaders who continually jump from one new managerial concept to another companywide initiative without accounting for their previous directives usually end up sapping time and energy from people who do the most important work. They also may create costly mistakes for the company down the road.
That said, any boss who puts his or her employees in this situation is indeed due for a reality check. This kind of manager needs to be aware that the new initiatives require additional training, meetings and documentation. And although staff will comply with the new directive, refocusing on their new assignment takes time away from their core work.
In addition, ongoing or frequent changes in managerial direction not only are disruptive, they also create an office fog of confusion about the firm’s priorities. Eventually, they may lead to a lack of employee confidence in the company’s leadership and the possibility of a mass exodus.
If leaders want to stop making these mistakes, they need to be willing to encourage candor and constructive criticism from employees—not just lip service, but constructive advice backed up by actions. Straightforward communication needs to take place on a regular basis—not just one and done and a declaration of victory. Otherwise, those old habits will creep back into place, and wasting time will become the norm, not a temporary aberration.
As a staff member, speak up but be thoughtful, strategic and respectful. And yes, there are risks associated with such an intervention, especially if the new owners aren’t up for a reality check. As such, make sure your resume is up-to-date, because the reality is that you might be in a no-win situation.
The Velvet Hammer wishes everyone a productive and healthy New Year!
Joan Lee Berkman is a marketing and public relations consultant. If you have a question for Joan, send it to business@townandstyle.com.
