Mark Shields Takes a Closer Look
As we progress on through the worse economic crisis since the 1930s many relationships are suffering under the stress and pressure of it all. One of the most important relationships affecting many of us is the relationship we have with our boss.
This relationship can always be a difficult one, however tighter budgets, higher demands, increasing attrition rates and with the competition for jobs increasing, the boss / subordinate relationship is under as much pressure as it’s ever been.
A recent study looking into the impact of a manager’s behaviour on his direct reports initiated the following
Study Results
Source = Swedish psychologist, Anna Nyberg, Karolinska Institute in Stockholm 2008, reported that
- Workers saddled for four years with managers who were inconsiderate and uncommunicative, were about 60 percent more likely to suffer a heart attack or other life-threatening cardiac condition.
- Bad Bosses have a greater negative effect than if the employee smoked, didn’t get enough exercise or was overweight, or had high cholesterol. .
- There is an “undisputed” relationship between a manager’s leadership style and workers’ productivity and mental health.
Obviously all bosses are different and some are very competent however the results below suggest, often it’s the things we would naturally assume bosses would do and know that cause relationship problems with their member of staff.
Survey Results Top 3 General
Moving the Goal Posts 52%
Impossible deadlines 17%
Unachievable targets 31%
Survey Results Top 3 Behaviour
No Staff Development 40%
Lack of support 30%
Poor Communication 30%
How much Stress can be caused by the Boss?
75% of bosses misunderstand their employees on some level and cause some form of stress
50% have staff with long term stress issues or long term sick
15% of staff are forced to change their job due to stress at work.
Most staff working within a tense relationship with their boss feel constantly de-motivated, uninspired, and constantly stressed.
Why do Bosses behave in this Way?
Inexperience leads them to Micro Manage as they can’t delegate.
Lack of Proper training and ongoing development
Understand the principle not the practical
No personal motivation
More all round pressure being put on Bosses. The Everest effect. Pass it on down the line to the employees.
The Key Big 5 Solutions to Help.
1 Update your CV
Make sure this is really good if an opportunity reveals itself to you. By engaging in this task, it will confirm to you of your skills and successes and certainly remind you how good you really are. Great for a major confidence boost.
2 Self evaluation
Have a good look at your own behavior.
The first solution is an honest analysis of your actions and behavior. How have you been handling yourself in your job?
3 Try Talking to your boss.
Compile a list of bad boss behaviors Make a list of all the things that your boss does that drive you nuts. Next, rank the list from most annoying to least annoying.
Once you feel comfortable that your suggestions are positive and helpful, consider scheduling a meeting with your boss to discuss. Perhaps suggest meeting outside the office for breakfast or lunch.
Leave your emotions at the door, but be prepared for your boss to have an emotional reaction. It’s possible that your boss is unaware of his/her actions, and this meeting could be very positive for all involved
4 Find a mentor with the company
If you love the company but hate the boss, another solution is to develop a mentoring relationship with a boss/supervisor in another part of the company. Mentoring is a fantastic strategy that you should consider even if you have a good boss because a mentor is someone who can help you in many ways, from offering advice to suggesting you for a promotion.
5 Embark on Stress Management Program.
Regular exercise and a healthy diet help combat stress. Exercise produces the body’s natural opiates endorphins which directly combat stress hormones
Mark Shields
Managing Director Life Practice Group
Coach, Author, National Media Coach
Tel: 01462 451473
info@lifepractice.co.uk