Management Styles - August 7, 2024

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Should leaders be like chameleons? 🦎 We don’t mean crawling on tree branches — we mean ever-changing and adapting to their environments. While many seem to think they have this ability, they sadly don’t, and that can mean trouble for their companies. Let’s talk about it!

In today’s edition: 

• Leaders overestimate their own flexibility →

• EEOC staff forced to take unpaid leave →

• A template that will simplify your appraisals →

SPOTLIGHT

9 in 10 managers think they’re versatile… They aren’t

While every manager is responsible for safeguarding their team’s productivity and efficiency, not everyone has the same approach for doing so.

There is no universal way for interacting with employees, prioritizing and delegating tasks, and navigating crises: each leader has their own management style, with the most successful leaders being able to switch between styles depending on the situation they’re called to navigate.

But what happens when managers think they have that ability when they don’t? 😰 That’s what a recent study by the American Management Association looked into: the 4 main management styles — namely autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire and facilitative — as well as employees’ and managers’ views on the subject.

Thanks to the answers provided by 1,100 US workers, AMA uncovered the following information:

• A noteworthy 46 % of employees are not managed in the style they prefer.

• 17 % of employees said their supervisors were autocratic, although none expressed a preference for that style. 👎

• 55 % of managers claim to have a democratic style, but over 60 % of their direct reports disagree.

• 90 % of managers stated they can flex between different styles, but 40 % of employees don’t think their manager has that ability.

• Up to 34 % of leaders receive no formal training before taking on a management role.

These numbers highlight a clear need for better leadership development. Managers should not just be trained on the various management styles, but also on how to develop EQ skills like self-awareness and empathy so the gap between expectations and reality may be bridged.

— Electra Michaelidou

NEWS THAT MATTERS

💰 Michigan Supreme Court Moves to Eliminate Tipped Subminimum Wage

The court ruled the state must implement two laws, including one that raises the minimum wage and gradually eliminates tipped subminimum wage. [HR Dive]

⚖️ Federal Contractor to Pay Back Wages, Interest to Resolve Discrimination Bias

Leggett & Platt is found to be in violation of Executive Order 11246, and is ordered to pay $ 407k for discriminating against 308 Black, White and Hispanic applicants. [Department of Labor]

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WEEKLY GIFT

Performance review template for your employees 

Has the time of year come when you need to review your employees’ performance? Download and use this handy checklist that will ensure you’ve covered all angles. You can analyze tasks, goals and outcomes all in one, easy-to-use sheet.

Another masterful HR gift coming your way next week :)

FEATURED RESOURCES

😊 10 Reasons Why Employee Engagement Is Important

🏆 Workplace Competition Ideas to Motivate Your Team

🖥️ The 20 Best HR Software Programs You Need

Before you go: make sure to share this HR wisdom with other pros! Simply click your forward button, or share our web version.

Created with care by Chris Leitch, Joanna Zambas, and Electra Michaelidou.