First, there’s nothing to gain by pretending to know more about someone’s job than they do. Your job as a supervisor is to oversee the whole operation and bring it all together on schedule. Employees are the experts and know what can or can’t be done in their areas. If you want to be successful, you must be able to depend on them to get the job done efficiently. Asking them for their ideas will give them a sense of involvement, and ultimately a greater chance of buy in. You should see people, machines, and processes as an engine. One part doesn’t make it run, but all parts working together, simultaneously does. If one part fails, so will the engine.
The supervisors that are most comfortable in their positions are those that know all the jobs in their area of responsibility. If you don’t know something, find out. Learn everything you can about each job and you will be able to manage it much better.
Second, include the employees in the decision making process. If you are pressed for greater productivity, let the employees know that. Also, let them know how it benefits them. If their jobs are at risk because of low productivity, or a reduction in hours, many will respond to that. I’ve always had employees come to me with their ideas following such conversations.
Who knows the job better than those close to it?
Third, include the employees in follow up discussions regarding progress or lack of progress. Post the results as often as they become available.
Fourth, monitor the process as closely as possible. Reward those that are making it work and deal with lagging employees appropriately.
The maximum contribution of a person to the organization and his own personal development is possible only when viewed as an expert in his or her job.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.” (Proverbs 28:26)
Why is self-confidence foolish? (Proverbs 28:26) - - We are warned here against thinking that we have all the answers, needing no counsel or discipline. Such a mindset is foolishness. We may be self-confident, knowing our capabilities and acting accordingly. But in order to be wise, we must also be aware of our sinfulness and weaknesses, submitting ourselves to wise counsel and discipline.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Morale Problems Are Fixable
Morale problems come from a variety of sources that include: excessive overtime; long hours; few days off; burnout; lack of job satisfaction; lack of discipline; bullies; sexual harassment; general harassment; rhetoric; broken promises; and lack of appreciation.
Low morale leads to additional problems that include lower productivity; higher sick leave rates; higher accident rates; resignations; tension and grievances. Just as there is a multiplying effect when things are going well, there is a snowball effect when things start to go poorly.
Situations that arouse fear and anxiety suppress many body functions and may suppress antibody production as well. Distressful situations may also upset production of hormones that have a role in emotional balance. An emotionally upset individual is much more prone to accidents. Obviously, sick leave rates would probably increase as well.
“Nothing is worse for morale than a lack of information down in the ranks. I call it NETMA – Nobody Ever Tells Me Anything – and I have tried hard to minimize that problem.” Ed Carlson, former president of United Airlines.
There’s no quick fix for morale problems. You have to proceed slowly and always with caution. The first thing you need to do is identify the real problems as explained first hand from employees. Consult each one separately with an open mind. Make notes of their concerns and follow up as you make progress. In fact, follow up periodically even if you haven’t heard anything. You can say something as simple as “I still haven’t heard back from John about the new schedule yet, but as soon as I do I’ll let you know.” People desperately want to be included in the loop, especially when it affects them.
Once you’ve identified a problem deal with it immediately. Harassment cases require immediate attention rather than waiting for it to wash out. In these cases, do a thorough investigation right away and make sure you keep notes. If things continue in violation of company policies, you will need them to establish a case for discipline and/or removal.
If you want to boost morale, don’t make promises you can’t keep. No one wants to hear hollow promises; they want to know what will really happen. You want people to believe what you have to say, so if you promise something, you need to see that it happens – no excuses.
------------------------------------------------------
When do vows go too far? (42:37) - - When they cannot be fulfilled. The Bible cautions against making vows, but once made, they should be kept (Deut. 23:21-23; Eccl. 5:4-5).
Deuteronomy 23: 21-23: 21" If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the LORD your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. 22But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. 23Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the LORD your God with your own mouth.
A vow was a promise or commitment, a religious tribute to God.
The bible gives us the guidelines by which we should live our lives. The closer we align ourselves with God, the better our lives will be. God sets the ultimate standard that we must strive for.
Leviticus 5:4 - - “Or if a person thoughtlessly takes an oath to do anything, whether good or evil – in any manner one might carelessly swear about – even though he is unaware of it, in any case when he learns of it he will be guilty.”
How could someone take an oath and not know it? (5:4) - - This refers to an oath made before all the implications have been considered. The phrase describing such an oath could literally be translated chattering with the lips – talking without thinking. A broken oath was considered a serious offense in the ancient world, especially if it had been made to God. This probably explains why Joshua kept the vows made when deceived by the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:19) and why Jephthah kept his foolish vow (Judges 11:30, 35, 29).
Low morale leads to additional problems that include lower productivity; higher sick leave rates; higher accident rates; resignations; tension and grievances. Just as there is a multiplying effect when things are going well, there is a snowball effect when things start to go poorly.
Situations that arouse fear and anxiety suppress many body functions and may suppress antibody production as well. Distressful situations may also upset production of hormones that have a role in emotional balance. An emotionally upset individual is much more prone to accidents. Obviously, sick leave rates would probably increase as well.
“Nothing is worse for morale than a lack of information down in the ranks. I call it NETMA – Nobody Ever Tells Me Anything – and I have tried hard to minimize that problem.” Ed Carlson, former president of United Airlines.
There’s no quick fix for morale problems. You have to proceed slowly and always with caution. The first thing you need to do is identify the real problems as explained first hand from employees. Consult each one separately with an open mind. Make notes of their concerns and follow up as you make progress. In fact, follow up periodically even if you haven’t heard anything. You can say something as simple as “I still haven’t heard back from John about the new schedule yet, but as soon as I do I’ll let you know.” People desperately want to be included in the loop, especially when it affects them.
Once you’ve identified a problem deal with it immediately. Harassment cases require immediate attention rather than waiting for it to wash out. In these cases, do a thorough investigation right away and make sure you keep notes. If things continue in violation of company policies, you will need them to establish a case for discipline and/or removal.
If you want to boost morale, don’t make promises you can’t keep. No one wants to hear hollow promises; they want to know what will really happen. You want people to believe what you have to say, so if you promise something, you need to see that it happens – no excuses.
------------------------------------------------------
When do vows go too far? (42:37) - - When they cannot be fulfilled. The Bible cautions against making vows, but once made, they should be kept (Deut. 23:21-23; Eccl. 5:4-5).
Deuteronomy 23: 21-23: 21" If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the LORD your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. 22But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. 23Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the LORD your God with your own mouth.
A vow was a promise or commitment, a religious tribute to God.
The bible gives us the guidelines by which we should live our lives. The closer we align ourselves with God, the better our lives will be. God sets the ultimate standard that we must strive for.
Leviticus 5:4 - - “Or if a person thoughtlessly takes an oath to do anything, whether good or evil – in any manner one might carelessly swear about – even though he is unaware of it, in any case when he learns of it he will be guilty.”
How could someone take an oath and not know it? (5:4) - - This refers to an oath made before all the implications have been considered. The phrase describing such an oath could literally be translated chattering with the lips – talking without thinking. A broken oath was considered a serious offense in the ancient world, especially if it had been made to God. This probably explains why Joshua kept the vows made when deceived by the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:19) and why Jephthah kept his foolish vow (Judges 11:30, 35, 29).
Don’t Gossip With Gossipers
Generally, if someone gossips to you he or she will gossip about you. Gossip can be very destructive to a workplace if taken too far. Rumors occur because of inadequate formal communications. The best way to combat rumor is to open up all means of communications.
Our goal as managers should be to build up others, showing kindness and understanding instead of bitterness and malice. Gossip undermines this goal.
Some managers view office gossip as natural, normal, and indestructible. These managers will learn its traits, listen to it, and attempt to influence it.
Leaders should address destructive gossip as soon as possible. If you catch it soon enough, address it with the source and find out who else is involved. You should explain how unfounded gossip leads to conflicts, distrust, and disrespect. No one wants to be the victim of mean spirited gossip. Even when the gossip may be true, it may have no place in the workplace. For example, if someone is getting divorced, there is no reason for people to spread rumors about that at work – it’s personal. The gossiper may be unaware of how unfavorable others view him or her for being reckless with rumors and speculation.
--------------------------------------------------
Ephesians 4:29 - - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
James 4:11 - - “Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment of it.’
Psalm 31:18 - - Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.
Psalm 34:13 - - Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking lies.
Psalm 52:2 - - Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
Proverbs 10:18-21 - - 18He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. 19When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. 20The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value. 21The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.
Can my mouth ruin my life? (10:18-21) - - Yes! Our mouths have the potential to make our lives miserable and affect our destiny. A chattering fool, says Proverbs, comes to ruin (v. 10).
The more we talk, the more likely we are going to stray into areas of gossip and slander (10:19). Slander is the spreading of false and damaging information about another person as if it were true. Only a fool does that, because sooner or later truth wins out and the slanderer will be discredited and punished (v. 18). Gossip, which is the sharing of rumors or information of an intimate, personal or sensational nature, ultimately destroys friendships and creates friction (16:28).
The wise person, however, speaks frugally. The tongue rightly used can nourish or feed others. A compliment or word of encouragement can brighten someone’s outlook or motivate a person to pursue a dream. Sharing the Word of God is another life-giving use for our tongues. Our tongue doesn’t affect only our destiny; it can also change the destiny of those we bless or curse.
That’s why Proverbs advocates an economy of speech. It’s a wise person who bridles the urge to blurt out everything on his or her mind. Even fools are thought to be wise when they keep their mouth shut (17:28).
Proverbs 16:28 - - A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.
Proverbs 17:4 - - A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue.
Proverbs 20:19 - - A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.
Proverbs 25:9-10 – If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man’s confidence, or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.
Proverbs 26:22 - - The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s innermost parts.
Why call gossip choice morsels? (26:22) - - Choice delicacies are relished and eagerly devoured. Unfortunately so is gossip. Like choice morsels, gossip is something that stimulates the desire for more. People who gossip can’t stop saying: “You’ll never believe what I just found out.”
Proverbs 30:10 - - Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will pay for it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)