Bad management habits don’t just apply to horrible bosses. Even the most experienced and well-intentioned managers fall back on bad habits once in awhile.
It’s tough not to, especially when you’ve got a full plate each day hiring new talent, managing your existing team, and dealing with day-to-day business operations. It’s times like these when it’s easy to slip back old practices – but let it go for too long, and you’ll find yourself with more problems than you started with.
This is because your employees are affected by every decision and interaction you make, and you don’t always get a free pass just because you’re having a stressful couple of weeks. That’s why it’s so important to check yourself regularly. Are you guilty of any of these common habits?
1. Postponing conversations
When you’ve got a million and one things on the go, it can be easy to push off important conversations and smaller tasks. However, leave it on the backburner for too long, and you might find yourself with another fire to put out. Remember that if an employee approaches you with an issue, it’s important enough to them not to keep it to themselves, so treat it accordingly!
2. Managing from a distance
When you’ve got a great team of employees, it’s often easy to distance yourself from the day-to-day work. Distant managers can often be seen as someone who thinks they’re above the work their team does. If you’re finding yourself locked up in the back room handling paperwork and emails more often than usual, it might be a good idea to get back on the floor for a few hours and lend them a hand.
3. The ‘M’ word
On the flip side, some managers tend to lean towards the dreaded ‘M’ word: Micromanaging. This tendency usually stems from feeling a lack of control and many managers react by trying to control every aspect of the business, including their team. Remember: you hired these individuals for a reason! Trust their decision making, and empower them to make the right choices in their roles.
4. Treating everyone the same
There is a HUGE difference between treating everyone fairly and treating everyone the same. Each and every one of your team members is unique and responds differently to different situations. Your job as a manager isn’t to treat them all like cookie cutters, but rather, to lift them up so they’re all able to complete their jobs and feel fulfilled while doing it. Coming up with unique approaches for each employee isn’t always easy, but the rewards are well worth it!
6. Focusing on numbers, not people
As a manager, it’s easy to get fixated on numbers – especially if you’re getting pressure from upper management about sales, employee turnover, and inventory. Yes, it’s important to encourage your team to hit their required goals, but some managers take it a step too far and start treating their employees like machines that need an upgrade. Your employees are only human, and there’s a difference between demanding change and encouraging better performance.
7. Assuming everyone is on the same page
No matter how intuitive your team is, they can’t read your mind! Hinting at issues and beating around the bush won’t get your message across as well as directly addressing any issues or situations that come up. Practicing good communication with your employees is absolutely essential so there aren’t any miscommunications and business can flow smoothly.
What are some bad habits you struggle with as a manager? HigherMe’s Hiring Experts can help you staff your business with amazing employees. Connect with us at sales@higherme.com, or visit our Applicant Tracking System page!
