Are you a manager? Do you want to have a good relationship with your people? In the second part of our talk with Harper’s Bazaar we discussed what are the qualities of a good leader and what we should all change to be happier at work.

Statistics and researches show that the most common reasons to leave a job are money and a manager. What do you recommend to leaders on how to gain trust and respect?

First of all, a leader should be authentic and real. The leader shouldn’t act as someone he is not. He also should be able to admit that he can’t do something or doesn’t have a skill. At the same time he welcomes an advice from his team members and learns from them. He also provides space for creativity and people’s ideas.

On the other hand he gives constructive feedback, doesn’t hide from problems and unpleasant situations. It is important that the leader is there for his people when they need him, and he listens. Listening strengthens trust and respect more than an unsolicited advice.

What should the leader avoid?

Mocking, abusing his status, running away from the problems and pretending that he knows.

What are the most common complaints about managers you hear?

 There are two contrasts. First, it is micromanagement and giving input in every single activity and process the employee is working on. This reflects the utmost mistrust.

Secondly, it is a total lack of interest in people, and in all what is happening in the team.

The other big issue is lack of or no communication.

What should we all improve in our working lives?

We should be all more open to changes. It is many times better to make a change that will move us forward rather than staying in an uncomfortable and unpleasant situation that frustrates us and causes a lot of problems, including health problems. Even a small change will move your forward and will expand your perspective.

People should also improve their communication. We often assume and expect that people know and understand us, and that they have all the information. Unfortunately, this is not true. And it causes a lot of frustration, misunderstandings and conflicts.

We can hear from all sources that now it is the ideal time to change a job. Is it true?

It depends on the profession and specialty. There is a lack of blue-collar staff and a lack of specialists, esp. in IT and R&D. It is ideal for these people to change jobs and improve their financial situation, as there are endless opportunities. However, if you are looking for flexibility, the employers are still not open to consider flexible working time and they are not ready for a compromise in the skills set.

The situation with middle and top management is very different. Quite a few people are open to new opportunities but there are not many being offered. If there is one, the employers are looking for a perfect match. And with these positions it is even more challenging to negotiate flexible working hours or a costume-made job specification based on talents and strengths. These people have also different priorities and typical benefits are not that important for them.

This is also the reason why they often leave the corporate world and start their own business. Or they join start ups, where they can use their skills and experience and make their lives more meaningful.

This is where you find the original version on Harper’s Bazaar online:

http://harpersbazaar.cz/c/jak-se-stat-sefem-ktereho-maji-lide-radi/