2011-09-08

Bad to worse - 6 ways to kill workplace productivity

Drew Stevens

In an attempt to increase morale and productivity, organizations will attempt anything. I read an article in The Wall Street Journal (http://tinyurl.com/yc76a6g) about how to liven boring meetings. Leaders allowed crayons and water pistols for creating productivity. Such rote behavior is meant for recess not productivity. The problem with organizations today is with leaders that cannot lead and workers that have little passion. Rather than repair the issue, leaders place band-aids on surgical incisions. Fix the problem.

 

  1. Got Talent. Talent is innate. Skills cannot be taught and organizations constantly place the wrong people in the wrong positions. There are denizens of selling professionals enacting as sales managers that should be fired. Place individuals where they will succeed and aligned with talents. Eradicate the sloths.
  2. Conflict. Supervisors and managers fear conflict in the workplace. Managers fail to hold those accountable because they fear conflict. The inability to confront subordinates about poor seriously undermines productivity.
  3. Accountability. Everyone has a job and must do it. Time frames and tasks must be upheld. Those that do not comply should be dealt with.
  4. Observed behavior. Review it constantly and ensure it upholds the mission, vision and values of the organization.
  5. Stop the Circus. Save the ridiculous animal tricks, the flying canons, poster board and crayons for recess and kindergartners. Treat adults as such. If John and Peter do not like each other, one hour of mountain bike riding with a case of beer only ensures one of them will not return. This does nothing for productivity and wastes needed income.
  6. The Last Supper. Allow all to eat at the table. End the aristocracy and allow democracy. Innovation flourishes from those closest to their customers. The concept is difficult to grasp but fruitful since all organizations exist for one reason – the customer!

 

Productivity begins with candid relationships between employer and employee. It is imperative to note that individuals do not leave companies - they leave poor managers. To dilute the productivity impact, take time to build relationships with employees through personal interaction. Employees need candid feedback to increase morale, productivity and ultimately accountability.  


 

About Contributor – Drew Stevens Ph.D. Drew Stevens PhD works with organizations that struggle with productivity that effects profits. Dr. Drew works with senior officers and their direction reports to dramatically increase relationships that build higher morale. He can be reached through his website at www.stevensconsultinggroup.com ©2009. Drew J. Stevens Ph. D. All rights reserved.

 

08/01/2022

How to reject a job offer (with examples)

Drake Editorial

You’ve gotten through the job interview stage, but what happens when the job doesn’t align with your career goals or salary expectations? Whether you are looking to counteroffer or are in the position of being offered multiple opportunities, sometimes it’s necessary to decline an offer.   

Read more

07/29/2022

Body language job interview tips

Drake Marketing

In a job interview, it's important to be prepared for all kinds of questions. What do you say if they ask about your greatest weakness? How do you respond when they ask about your biggest accomplishment? And what if they throw in some curveballs like "What was the last book you read?". 

Read more

02/24/2023

How to Effectively Manage A Remote Workforce?

Drake Editorial

Enabling your business to operate remotely provides access to talented individuals outside of your local area and reduces operating expenses by eliminating the need for physical office space.  

Read More

10/23/2020

How to achieve complete wellbeing

Drake Editorial

2020 has been an eye-opening year. We have been fronted with challenges in our reality, that we couldn’t have imagined in our dreams...

Read more

07/29/2022

How to answer 11 most commonly asked interview que...

Drake Editorial Team

Interviews can be highly stressful to some, and as is the case with most things, preparation is key. Here are 11 common interview questions that you may get asked, and ways in which you can answer them.  

Read More

05/04/2020

4 Ways to Stand Out in an Overcrowded Job Market

Drake Editorial

Businesses will need to adjust to a new reality in the post pandemic world, and so too will job seekers. Many businesses may not reopen, and others may start up slowly. There will be industry sectors that will actively look for candidates, and others that may not be ready. The result will be many more candidates seeking opportunities in a much tighter employment market.  If you are searching, or plan to search, for a new job or career, here are four ways to stand out in a crowded hiring space.

 

Read more