Why do Managers feel uncomfortable communicating with people they manage?
In a recent Harvard Business School study it was found that: “67% of managers are uncomfortable talking to the people they manage.” Is the statistic surprising for you? Why/Why not?
In some ways, I would like to say that I am surprised that such a high percentage of managers have difficulty communicating with the people they manage. On the other hand, the figure doesn’t surprise me at all because communication between people is almost becoming a thing of the past. It has become normal to write emails, text messages, and instant messages rather than communicate face-to-face with each other in the workplace and in society at large.
I think that it is important that business leaders strive to encourage verbal communication between all levels and layers of an Organisation. People in the workplace should feel that they are listened to and feel motivated to share their opinions with their managers and teams etc.,
Having open and effective communication is crucial for a productive and healthy work environment. If 67% of managers are uncomfortable talking to the people they manage, it could indicate several potential issues within an organisation:
Lack of Communication Skills: Some managers may lack the necessary communication skills to effectively convey information or provide feedback, leading to discomfort when engaging with their team members.
Fear of Conflict: Addressing performance issues or providing constructive feedback can be challenging for some managers due to a fear of creating conflict or harming their working relationships with employees.
Unease in Giving Negative Feedback: Providing criticism or negative feedback is uncomfortable for many people, including managers. This discomfort might stem from concerns about damaging team morale or appearing unsupportive.
Hierarchical Barriers: A rigid and hierarchical organizational culture may create barriers that inhibit open and transparent communication between managers and their subordinates.
Lack of Trust: In some cases, the discomfort might be a result of a lack of trust between the manager and their team members, making it difficult to have open and honest conversations.
Addressing this issue requires organisations to invest in leadership training and coaching programs to enhance communication skills and foster a more open and collaborative work environment. Encouraging feedback and creating a culture of trust and psychological safety can also go a long way in improving communication between managers and their teams. It's essential to recognize that effective communication is a two-way street, and both managers and employees play vital roles in fostering a positive and communicative workplace.