Do you want your employees to excel? Do you want to offer them opportunities to grow? As a manager and leader of teams your main objective is to motivate, engage and retain the best talent possible. Why do so many leaders destroy this objective by telling their employees lies?
I don’t believe these lies are told with malice. In fact I believe that when they are told they are genuinely hopeful that they will be able to make them come true. What most managers don’t realize is that in the end the intent isn’t what matters to the employee, it is the outcome that does.
Some of the common lies told to employees:
You’re going to be the (insert title here) – Unless everyone who needs to sign off has keep it to yourself.
I’m trying to get you an x percent raise – Unless the salary change is sitting with payroll keep it to yourself.
I’m working on getting you X – Unless you have it or final approval to get it don’t mention it.
You don’t need that (insert whatever they are asking for) – It doesn’t matter what you think they need, if they feel they need it you need to understand why they think it’s important and work with them to get it or help them see why it isn’t the best thing for them.
I gave you everything you needed to be successful – Chances are you didn’t and there was more you could have done.
I have an open door policy – Unless you plan to meet with them as they request it (no not a drop everything) don’t mention this. If you always keep your door closed then don’t tell them it is open.
When you tell your employees something and are unable to fulfill it you demotivate, destroy trust and erode employee satisfaction. Deep down you want the best for them and you want them to stick around and grow. Telling them something prematurely to temporarily appease them isn’t the way to accomplish that.
Stop living with the stress of trying to make something happen that is out of your control. Don’t let your words become a bounced check, until you are certain you can fulfill your promise stay silent. Respect the delicate balance between planning and a done deal to stop letting your employees down.
Last updated on March 6th, 2018 at 08:40 am
