The heavy burden of managers

The saying goes like this: people are joining companies but are resigning because of their managers. Practical experience shows that there is a lot of truth to it.

In the many workshops I have been quoting this there were a number of participants who didn’t like this insight and in order to lessen the felt burden I frequently heard managers and HR people saying: people need to learn how to deal with difficult bosses, also the talented and good staff we have.

This is definitely true for everyone, also the good staff, no matter on which level they are and develop to. To be able to deal with any kind of reports, peers, bosses and other stakeholders is an invaluable skill, especially when they are difficult.

And we all know that the “difficult people in my environment” are sometimes not the problem but me who is just seeing the others as the”hart to deal with” people. True, true…

There is though another angle to look at. When you have high potential and talented employees around you another factor comes into play. No matter how the economic situation these people have almost always a choice. They will find another job!

This is what some clients told me why they left their managers:
“It takes two to tango and why should that burden be on my shoulders only. I can contribute a lot more in a company which has leaders who are collaborating with their people. And I have a choice!”
“I am more than happy to learn dealing with a difficult boss but only if the work I am supposed to do helps me to develop my career. If my boss puts me into a job which I am not here for and which does not require what I am good at then what’s the point of staying. I have a choice!”
“If my boss does not recognize what I am doing what do I have to expect. I have a choice and have already a new job secured”

For managers and leaders this could very well mean:
The employees you really need and want have choices, so make you their choice!