How to Undermine Your Credibility – A Brief Case Study
During a recession there were several major layoffs and management would hold mandatory quarterly meetings with the employees to review the company’s situation. Every quarter a “V”-shaped revenue vs. time graph was shown, with the bottom tantalizingly just one quarter in the future – the message was that the company was on the verge of turning around. But after a year and a half of showing the “V” graph, it was obvious that they had no idea when things might actually pick up.
During this time period an employee engagement survey (of the typical, generic type) was circulated; participation was not optional. When the survey results were revealed, I had to laugh - Result number one was, (and I wish I was kidding) “We have the best management team!” Rarely have I witnessed a more glaring example of a management team so tone-deaf and out of touch with their own situation and the needs of their employees.
Respect your employees. They’re adults. They understand that occasional downturns are normal in business. Pitching a sugar-coated fantasy undermines your credibility as a leader. Believing your own hype undermines the team’s respect for you.
Remember, it is not necessary for your team to like every decision you make, but it is essential for them to understand why you’re making it. If they have the facts, they are in a position to think “That’s a tough decision, what would I do if I were in charge?” While they might not come up with the same answer, they will be able to see how you came to the conclusion you did. This strengthens credibility and respect.
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