Striking the right balance
I am a 38 year-old, and have recently been appointed as the team leader for this new product we are launching. All the sales employees, coordinators, marketing and advertising agents for this product need to report to me. Problem is, I don’t want to be one of those strict bosses who create a suffocating environment. At the same time however, I don’t want the employees to feel like they have a free rein. My entire career depends on how well this product does, and I want a happy team in order to be able to achieve that. How do I accomplish this?
Ans: Your basic dilemma is to be able to strike the right balance which you have come to realize is not as easy. Of course, your first priority is to make sure work does not suffer because you’re trying to please everyone. Part of maintaining a good rapport with your team and managing work would be to let them know your door is always open. Have regular meetings where they are encouraged to voice their ideas or opinions, have short-term goals and targets for every member to achieve. Let them know you are amenable if the situation requires. Encouragement can be public but pointing out mistakes should be done privately. Be a good listener but assertive when making important decisions.
Undermining authority
For the last three years, I have held the post of Vice President, and have never had any complaints from the CEO. However, recently a team of seven marketing agents has been assigned to me, and I am at my wit’s end to get them to take the job seriously. I would’ve fired them that very week, but they have been “referred” by the company’s MD, and I have been given no authority to take any action against them. They walk in when they like, wear anything they want, eat food at their desks, and downright disrespect me in front of the entire office. Because of this, my other employees have become lax and the figures have started to tank. What do I do?
Ans: You are the Vice President of your company for a reason. Don’t undermine what you bring to the table. Your agents know you don’t have authority to fire them and hence are taking advantage. Often, firing an employee isn’t the only sword a boss can hold over their heads. You need to be assertive, set a few rules regarding timing, dress code and work ethics. Make them aware that if not followed there will be consequences. You can let them know there are weekly evaluations which you be filling out and sending it to the MD, based on which he will make his decision. Offer incentives if they achieve something and consequences for being tardy.
Dejected
I have dedicated 37 years of my life to this company which led to issues in my family and personal life, but being a workaholic, I chose office over everything else. Today, at the age of 63, responsibilities are being taken away from me, and my boss has hinted at a demotion due to my “slowness” and “lack of efficiency”. It is hurtful to hear this. I will be retiring at 65 anyway, why can’t they just let me go gracefully? I fell dejected and depressed. Please tell me what I should do. Is it’s a better idea to just quit?
Ans: It seems that your work has dictated your happiness all through your life. You need to take a moment to prioritize. Your work has taken precedence over everything in your life and as you are nearing the time where you won’t have that anymore you are going through a sense of loss. At the pace the world has progressed it is possible there are reasons your boss has hinted such a move. Communicate with him, it would be best to know if there is any merit to the ‘lack of efficiency” that he may be concerned about. At the same time, let them know you are not getting complacent at your work, you still enjoy it and that you will do your best to make sure work does not suffer. Your family is still by your side, it may also be time to start focusing on them and yourself if you are unhappy with work. Choose what you makes you happy. As they say, you live only once – so make the most of it!
Addiction
I am a 38 year-old man and have recently received a promotion. The raise in salary and having an office of my own feel great! However lately I’ve taken to smoking, and need short smoke breaks very often to be able to take decisions. My wife keeps complaining that I’m barely spending any family time, so we’re always arguing with each other. My hairline has also started to recede, but I like to believe it’s an age thing. I have lost some friends too, they say I’ve become irritable, and they don’t deserve to be talked to, like that. Where am I going wrong? Because I don’t see it!
Ans: Often when one realizes his/her dreams it becomes difficult to look at the flaws in the achievement. In your case with an elevation in your work post, there seems to be an increase in your work pressure too. Increase in smoking is a sign of coping with anxiety and stress. Because you seem to be caught up in the positive effects of this promotion, your family and friends are bearing the negatives of this situation. Striking a healthy work-life balance is important which will help you deal with your family as well as friends in a better way.
