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10 Things Employees Wish Their Bosses Knew

Perhaps some things are better left unsaid, especially these things employees wish their bosses knew.

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Perhaps some things are better left unsaid, especially these things employees wish their bosses knew.

Photo credit: wayhomestudio

Many of us have thoughts that we don’t share, especially with our bosses. But what’s the worst that can happen because saying most of these things would actually make our work life better? Here are 10 things employees wish their bosses knew.

1. Sharing important information openly across the team

Some bosses treat information such as founder information as a highly classified state secret that needs to be protected. While I understand that some information is not meant for everyone in the team, it’s wise to recognize that not sharing information that directly impacts the whole team creates room for speculation. Speculation and unproductive workspaces go hand in hand.

2. Giving deserving compliments

Employees wish their bosses knew that compliments are a way to encourage them to rise and do even better at work. If an employee does something that deserves to be praised, please do so. As a boss, do not shy away from noting the improvements that your employees are making. The tradition of compliments is a tradition easy to start and maintain. For example, you can make use of employee appreciation packages to show your appreciation for your employees.

3. Sticking to decisions that have been agreed on by the team

I’d say this is one of the top things employees wish their bosses knew. As a boss, your employees want to know that you can stand your ground and stick to the decisions agreed upon. These decisions could be new sales strategies the employees want to implement to make new sales. Moreover, sticking to decisions shows that as a boss, you’re truly in charge and you’re not easily swayed by external factors. But of course only if it is for a valid reason. 

4. Your employees are a priority

Have you come across companies where the customer comes first employees come second? Such industries are the saddest places to work in. The truth is unsatisfied, sad employees cannot deliver crisp services to your customers. You want to ensure that as much as you’re big on great customer satisfaction, you assure your employees that they are a priority.

5. Being polite

I know that some days, you will be very overwhelmed with things employees do. On such days, you may want to shut it down for everyone. However, your employees wish that as a boss, you know how being impolite can change the situation from bad to worse. For instance, instead of saying "Your work is mediocre", you could say "There are a few gaps in your work but if you make adjustments in section A with reference to our core values, we will be good to go." The trick to being polite lies in the wording. Make the words please, kindly, and thank you part of your everyday speech. 

6. Know what you’re doing

As a leader, you’re the captain of your team. You need to ensure that you assure your team that you hold the necessary expertise to steer them to great success. Employees raise this reason as something they wish their bosses knew because some bosses are not proactive in providing leadership and leading by example. Therefore, as a leader, please get your scores right.

7. Showing up for team building activities

Bosses have a lot on their plate; if not representing the interests of the company with stakeholders, you’re somewhere in a top-class meeting. Employees understand you’re a busy individual. But when it comes to team building activities, as a boss you need to show up and engage the team. This is a smart way to bond with the team and understand your employees on a new level outside work.

8. Loosen up

I know you're probably wondering why on earth your employees want you to share jokes with them. I do not mean to say that your employees want you to be a clown for the sake of their comfort. I mean that when the situation allows, share a laugh here and there. You do not stand to lose anything.

9. Be democratic

As a boss, your employees want you to know that they wish you were more democratic. Please do not be caught being high-handed, and serving an authoritarian leadership style. Rather be open to suggestions and allow discourse to take place.

10. We are different, and so is our working style

You see that phrase employees put on their resumes that they have the "ability to work under pressure?" Well, that’s one of the grand lies. The truth is most employees don’t have the ability to work under pressure. In fact, pressure impairs their ability to work well and efficiently. It's your responsibility as an employer to observe and understand your team’s working style to maximize productivity.

Written by

Belindar Momanyi

Belindar Momanyi is a communication professional and an avid believer in deliberately telling inspiring stories. When she is not writing, she is managing social media at HCDExchange


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