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Location: RI, MA, VT, WI, IL, CA, IN (that one sucked), KY
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There isn't a institution out there that has all top performers, not even the MckInsey and Cos or the most elite boutique firms. And neglecting the rank and file is often the doom of many orgs, they're usually the backbone.
I prefer a no nonsense bottom line direct message as well but there are nice ways to deliver and receive them. Instead of saying "I'm nearly finished" which is fine unless your tone was terse. I would say "Thank you for reminding me I'm nearly finished." Or a humorous "I'm on it like white on rice." If you have that kind of relationship with your coworker. I think it's more about the tone in your voice that may be offensive to some.
I am really the same way. I also dont like sarcasm and rather get to the point. It a good thing, but you have to tweak it at times in situaions, really think how the other person may interpret it. Especially when typing, I try to reread several times to figure how it may come accross. Its something you just have to be aware of.
Location: In a city within a state where politicians come to get their PHDs in Corruption
2,908 posts, read 2,090,285 times
Reputation: 4478
Quote:
Originally Posted by timberline742
There isn't a institution out there that has all top performers, not even the MckInsey and Cos or the most elite boutique firms. And neglecting the rank and file is often the doom of many orgs, they're usually the backbone.
How are you? Finally some decent weather in Boston area past few days..........sorry I digress.
Every company needs average performers. I relate to them as cash flow. Since no company really wants to turn down business. I'm just of the mindset that time is better spent with someone who will provide a greater marginal benefit than with the one who will not.
Just be careful to not be one of those "brutally honest" people who are more interested in brutality than in honesty.
This is roughly 99.999% of the people who claim they're just 'being honest,' or 'keeping it real.'
This was me. This still is me on occasion. I know when I get fed up my responses get more curt and nastier. The response people have when you actually respect their effort and opinion, no matter how wrong they may be, is significantly more receptive to criticism than the other way.
You'll never win anyone to your side by berating them.
How are you? Finally some decent weather in Boston area past few days..........sorry I digress.
Every company needs average performers. I relate to them as cash flow. Since no company really wants to turn down business. I'm just of the mindset that time is better spent with someone who will provide a greater marginal benefit than with the one who will not.
So then you have average performers, but you're content to leave them as average and not help them to improve? You may be missing out on a diamond in the rough. That's a disservice to you, and to your employees.
High potential individuals with unproven track record command much higher attention, and time than someone with proven track record of average performance. Two different cases, we can agree on that.
High performers, and those who have potential to be one don't complain about manager's tone, approach, or communication style, but they focus on the half-glass full scenario. They focus on performance, results, substance, not style. I choose to surround myself with employees like that.
I never said anyone complained about anything, or were negative. I wouldn't hire or keep anyone like that on my team.
If you cannot tell how someone is responding to what you're saying, or you simply don't care, that's your choice. I'm betting your employees have zero response in front of you and plenty to say behind your back, but since that's the type of manager you choose to be, I doubt you'll accept that as even being a possibility.
Location: In a city within a state where politicians come to get their PHDs in Corruption
2,908 posts, read 2,090,285 times
Reputation: 4478
Quote:
Originally Posted by MPowering1
I never said anyone complained about anything, or were negative. I wouldn't hire or keep anyone like that on my team.
If you cannot tell how someone is responding to what you're saying, or you simply don't care, that's your choice. I'm betting your employees have zero response in front of you and plenty to say behind your back, but since that's the type of manager you choose to be, I doubt you'll accept that as even being a possibility.
Average managers care about "what their employees say behind their back". I don't. And, not because I am some sort of a maverick, or have an attitude of me against the world, but because those people would be saying things behind my back no matter what. That is the reflection of them as human beings first and foremost, and employees second.
Not only do I accept that as a "possibility", but I actively expect it and manage it accordingly.
I never said anyone complained about anything, or were negative. I wouldn't hire or keep anyone like that on my team.
If you cannot tell how someone is responding to what you're saying, or you simply don't care, that's your choice. I'm betting your employees have zero response in front of you and plenty to say behind your back, but since that's the type of manager you choose to be, I doubt you'll accept that as even being a possibility.
This is EXACTLY what happens. I had it happen to me until I realized my mistake, and I see it happening in my current company now with a few lackluster managers. Everyone is going to be nice to your face because they have to be. Rest assured if they took the same attitude with the boss that the boss has about them, they would be out the door.
Average managers care about "what their employees say behind their back". I don't. And, not because I am some sort of a maverick, or have an attitude of me against the world, but because those people would be saying things behind my back no matter what. That is the reflection of them as human beings first and foremost, and employees second.
Not only do I accept that as a "possibility", but I actively expect it and manage it accordingly.
Actually that's completely wrong. A good manager doesn't have people talking behind their backs because they know there is an open line of communication with management. Granted there will always be that one person who does this, if it's expected as the norm there are serious issues there.
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