Solutions to 3 Manager Frustrations

It is a great responsibility to take on a management position.  Managers must find ways to motivate their employees and keep them on track for completing the projects assigned to their department.  As the manager, you set the tone and pace of your staff.  Many first time managers look at the associated perks to influence their decision to take on this leadership position.  It’s true that once you are promoted into a management position you will experience some privileges.  First, there’s the additional money in your paycheck, perhaps a larger office, and a new title.  All of these are benefits however anyone who has ever managed people knows there are many frustrations that also go along with the job.

Many frustrations may stem from problems in your hiring process.  Everyone tries to hire the right person for the job.  However, the job description you’re using could cause you to hire the wrong person.  Ask yourself, when was the last time the job description was revised?  Does it still apply to the type of person you need?  Are your expectations clearly expressed on the description?  Before you jump in and start interviewing candidates.   Carefully consider the various types of responsibilities and skills the right employee will need.  Do you feel the job could change in a few years based on your department’s future projections?  When you begin to ask questions of your potential team members, look for enthusiasm, an expressed desire to learn, and a willingness to take on responsibility.

As soon as your employees are hired explain the attendance policy and the consequences of breaking the policy.  Have the new employee sign that they understand the company’s expectation in regards to attendance.  Every company should have a written employee handbook which should be given to the new employee once hired.  However, don’t leave it up to the employee to read later.  This is a mistake.  All major points such as attendance, sick days, business conduct, and dress code should be fully explained the date of hire.  This will set the right tone for the start of the business relationship.

Other frustrations managers face vary depending on the industry, but every manager has experienced the following employee problems.

1.       Problem:  Poor Attendance

Every manager with employees that demonstrate poor attendance wants to pull their hair out.  When employees don’t come to work obviously the work doesn’t get done on time.  This slows the production for the department and the entire company.  Therefore, poor attendance cannot be tolerated.

Solution:  After a couple of missed days explain to the employee again the policy on attendance.  Refer directly to the passages in your company’s employee handbook.  In addition, explain the consequences of poor attendance.  You must be firm about your attendance policy because your other employees are watching the way you handle an employee that abuses the policy.

2.       Problem:  Low morale

Poor morale has a direct effect on your productivity.  If you have an entire office full of employees that lack motivation your company’s bottom-line will suffer.

Solution:  Managers must set the tone of the office and their direct reports.  The positive or negative attitude your employees have could be caught from you.  If you are negative about a project or the economy or the future of the company, this attitude will spread throughout your office.  Like a contagious flu virus, every employee will soon express dissatisfaction with their future.  As the leader of your staff you must maintain a positive outlook.  Walk in the office bright and cheery can be a boost to your employees.

Complacency could be causing low morale in an employee.  Talk with the employee and find out what is going on that may be causing their low energy.  Your employee may be experiencing problems at home or the job itself is no longer challenging.  Whenever you see an employee that is dragging their feet around your office for a few days, you must address the problem.  It won’t be long before their lack of productivity will affect others.  To learn how to get more out of your staff watch 5 Tips to Communicate and Engage Employees.

3.       Problem:  Missed Deadlines

Whenever a project deadline is missed it cost your company money.  The additional resources that will be mandated to try and make up for the missed deadline will be significant.  Your company can’t afford to miss any deadlines.  Many times employees feel they’ve been given more time than necessary to complete a project.  Once the employee procrastinates and the time slips away from them, they’ll be forced to scramble to try to finish the project.  The deadline is missed and the work will usually be at a lower quality than desired.

Solution:  Prevent procrastination in your employees by giving them progress dates to give you status updates on an assignment.   These progress dates should keep the project on track for on-time completion and maintain high quality work.

As a manager, you will experience frustrations with your employees.  Minimize many problems by hiring the right people and setting the right tone for the business relationship.