LEADERS WANTED: Creative, ethical, emotionally intelligent, assertive (not aggressive) inspiring and passionate

Trust in leadership has taken a big hit in the past few years, reaching all time lows in public perception since the economic downturn.

In a recent Rasmussen poll, the CEO’s of the nation’s largest
corporations were viewed favorably by just 22% of American adults, lower
even than the ratings earned by members of Congress!

A poll conducted in the UK found that only 15% of employees totally trust their managers – and 85% are also in doubt about information given to them from above.
Granted, we know that historically polls usually show higher trust
numbers for worker’s immediate bosses, but these numbers are dismal in
any measurement. 

Employees are understandably more cynical about leaders than ever
before. The illusory self-protection of cynicism is not only personally
corrosive but carries huge implications and challenges for an economy
that needs the commitment of its workers more than ever.

The question is – where are these numbers going and how will these huge trust issues impact the business environment in general? 

The economics of the past nearly two years have been game changers.
The dislocation and fear created during the fallout from this recession
have dramatically impacted worker’s trust issues and raised serious questions for leaders at every level.

In most cases overburdened, stressed-out workers are managing with diminished resources and are operating on the fumes of the fight or flight response.
Many employees, asked to do more and more to salvage their jobs and the
company, are continuously rising to the occasion. That’s a major reason
why “productivity” levels are still rising (as are profits!). Many people are performing with the constant anxiety that their jobs may not be secure.

While it may be true that people are staying put now in a buyer’s market workplace, their situation is not sustainable.

The 2009 Emerging Workforce Study revealed
that employers are significantly underestimating worker retention
rates. While companies in the study planned for turnover rates of 14%,
the research showed that 26% of workers surveyed plan to leave their
jobs when the market stabilizes.

The study identified two significant cultural trends that can have an
impact on a company’s success in the near future – the role of social
media and a desire for workers to feel more connected to their employer!

People can’t do their best work when their dominate feelings are anxiety, worry and frustration. But most critically, they can’t perform well without – trust. And leaders can’t lead without respect.

Leaders must address issues that contribte to the conditions
for trust and respect to be restored (if it was there in any form to
begin with)

Let’s begin with what leaders should avoid doing.

Harvard Business School Professor Rosabeth Moss Kanter listed the negative actions leaders often take during turbulent times. They include:

  • Taking shortcuts that undermine culture and values
  • Exercising too much control
  • Diverting employees from urgent tasks that ignore what is really going on in the culture
  • Risking that rumors become the dominant information due to weak communication
  • Create more anxiety from poor communication regarding uncertainties
  • Create no outlets for emotions

We want to reinforce the importance of this last bullet pointed item!

Professor Kanter points out that when there is no outlet for emotions. “Anger
and grief mount with no way to express or deal with these emotions.
People might start acting in strange ways, undermining teamwork.
Solution:
Create facilitated sessions for venting. .  Teach managers about
dealing with trauma and ensure that they acknowledge people’s grief and
anxiety.”

Eight Critical Steps All Leaders Need to Take Now

1.      Attend
to communication issues at all levels (starting with your own)
Demonstrate that despite uncertainties and challenges there is a
commitment to honest and clear communication

2.     Be Real.  Cynicism is at an all time high. People can sniff out a lack of authenticity a mile away. 

3.     Model the role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in your interpersonal, team and organizational roles.

4.     Identify, understand and strive to clean up the trust leaks that are apparent and hidden.

5.     Give
employees consistent and regular opportunities to ask questions and
express what they feel – and need.  Even if you don’t know all the
answers and can’t deliver precisely what people want – your sincere
attention to their concerns will be hugely appreciated.

6.     Recognize. Praise. Acknowledge.  

7.     Be clear and accountable about expectations, while giving people ample autonomy and authority.

8.     Give
employees support in the dealing with the stress loads they are
carrying (where possible provide all types of coaching, onsite and
outside programs and work flex scheduling)

Every one of these steps makes a difference. It’s a leader’s job to
create the conditions to support employee success – not add to the
emotional albatross most people are carrying around these days. Give people more than you take.

You’ll need all of the qualities listed in the LEADERS WANTED
qualifications above. They will not guarantee your success or the
economic security of the company – but one thing is certain – it’s going
to be a much longer and harder road ahead without them.

As always, we invite you
to please share your thoughts, stories and questions in the comments
section. You are part of this conversation and we love to hear from you.

Louise & George Altman, Intentional Communication Partners

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