Listen Up …CIO

Ever wonder what your employees think about your management style? Would they say that you were a teacher and a mentor to them? Would they say that you are clueless or would they say you are with it? Would they say that you are too inflexible, too authoritative, or too boring? Would your employees be willing to do more for you (and for themselves)? Over the last six months or so, I have been gaining weight because I have been meeting with senior Directors and Managers at breakfast or lunch. While visiting with them individually, in a relaxed atmosphere, I was able to ask each of them the same questions. If you are still listening, then get ready for some straight talk, because here’s what most of your IT employees are saying: First and foremost, all of them want to be your best employee, your right-hand-man …to do the best job possible. And of those who want that, almost all of them would like to assume your position. Oh yes, there are a few who do not want your responsibilities and none of the people I spoke with are not Brutus’ in waiting. Are you surprised by this? Depending on your interest and involvement, your employees may all look and act like average associates, but they are capable of so much more! Because you’re the boss, they want to share things with you. You could learn what it takes to motivate them to overachieve on a given project or in your general work environment. Maybe some of you think that most of your employees wouldn’t even show up for work if they didn’t have to, but you’re wrong! I have yet to meet an employee who wakes up and says “Guess I’ll go to work and do a bad job today”. They all want to do good work and be recognized. It is my sincere hope that you will learn that the majority of your employees are dedicated, motivated, dependable and trustworthy. And that they come to work to do an honest day’s work. However, the fact remains, that they could achieve much more…for themselves and for your company. With your help and guidance, they can all become overachievers at work in the same way they are in other aspects of their lives. Granted, the workforce, the work environment and the entire business environment has changed dramatically since you first entered it. Globalization and computerization has made things more complex for your employees and so there is much more to learn than when you were ascending the corporate ladder. The duration spent at any one company has been shortened and many of your employees may have already worked at several companies prior to joining yours. Some may have been exposed to good and bad management and others may have had a singular experience. Most have probably learned to complete tasks in a variety of ways under numerous methodologies. Discipline has probably often been inconsistent. To be sure, you have very little – if any – control over the things that your employees have had to deal with prior to joining your organization …and that can make your job more challenging. However, you represent the present and their future. Guide them well!