You think you’re charismatic and confident. Your employees think you’re terrifying.
Being a people pleaser doesn’t generally make for a good leader. But you can go way too far in the other direction — you’re pushing people out of their comfort zones to get a result, and meanwhile, they’re on Indeed looking for a way out.
In fact, a 2018 study showed that managing employees with pressure tactics led to a 90% increase in predicted turnover. On the other hand, using “inspirational tactics” created a 60% decrease in turnover.
And even more illuminating, this study proved that employees of so-called “toxic bosses” act out a lot more.
So what’s a boss to do?
First of all, don’t ask your employees if they’re afraid of you. There’s no way they’ll answer truthfully.
Instead, reflect on your behavior as a leader. Do you treat your employees with as much courtesy as you treat clients? Do you listen to opposing points of view?
Asking yourself these questions can help you figure out how your employees really feel about you — and whether they fear or adore you.
