My friend, Jack Harvey, shared a very interesting HBR article on the truth about being a nice boss, from author Emma Seppala. Here were her key conclusions.
#1. High Str
ess Reduces Productivity
If “tough” managers create tremendous levels of stress on employees, the effect can be very negative. High levels of workplace stress have been proven to drive employees to look for new work, decline promotions, or leave a job. Also, health care costs for employees with high stress are almost 50% greater than at similar organizations without high levels of stress. The message: as a manager you must find the right balance between setting high expectations/holding people accountable, while being sensitive to doing so in a way that doesn’t drive damaging levels of stress.
#2. Kindness Engenders Trust
One HBS study showed that warm leaders are more effective than those who lead with their “toughness and skill.” Why? Trust. Employees are more likely to trust leaders who are kind.
#3. Fairness Leads to Commitment, Which Drives Productivity
Another study cited indicates that employees are far more committed to a company when they feel they are treated fairly. They “pay it forward”, help others, and they are far more productive.
What’s my take? Being nice to employees is also good business. A good manager MUST set high standards, hold people accountable, and create a culture of excellence. But being a jerk is certainly not a requirement. Furthermore, “jerkiness” is being proven to be counter-productive and results in stress, distrust, and feelings of unfairness. And these lead to lower productivity and in some cases employee departure. So if you are looking for justification to be a fair, kind, and trustworthy boss…here it is.
Click here to read the full article.
