Let’s examine the employee-employer relationship from the other side. What do employees expect from management? Are employee’s expectations relevant or inflated? As a leader, do you care enough to build an inclusive team?
We were all employees once and had first-hand experience with various management styles.
My first real job was with my neighbour, which was slightly different. Looking back forty years later, he was a very fair and reasonable boss. He held some very strong customer service beliefs, which he instilled in me. I was with that business for nearly four years and truly enjoyed going to work.
My last paid employment was over twenty years ago; in a moment of madness, I accepted a senior role at a prominent Sydney-based tourism business where the founder and patriarch believed “it was a privilege to work for him”. He said it at a weekend conference; I’d only been in the business about ten weeks. I almost quit there and then but somehow managed to last another three months. I was micro-managed and belittled every day, but I bit my tongue until the timing was right to start a new venture. I’ve experienced both ends of the spectrum: the exceptional and the unacceptable.
How do your employees view you and your leadership style?
So, what do employees expect from management?
# 1 Communication
Clear, transparent, and consistent communication regarding company goals, individual roles, and performance expectations.
# 2 Bold Leadership
They crave strong, decisive, and inspiring leadership that provides a clear vision and direction for the company.
# 3 Support
Access to the resources and support needed to perform their duties effectively, including proper training and professional development opportunities.
# 4 Recognition
Appreciation of their hard work and contributions to the company’s success.
# 5 Feedback
Constructive feedback that helps them grow professionally, including regular performance reviews and opportunities to discuss career progression.
# 6 Respect
A work environment where they feel respected and valued as individuals, not just as employees.
# 7 Work-Life Balance
Understanding and support for balancing work responsibilities with personal life, including flexible work arrangements when possible.
Take a few minutes to reflect on your leadership effectiveness. Are you genuinely grasping and fulfilling your team’s needs? Employee satisfaction is paramount when you, as the leader, seek support. Can you confidently say whether your team will step up when extra effort is needed, or will you be left to tackle the challenges alone?
