Twelve Things Employees Think About Their Bosses

Recently, my daughter (who is five) and I were participating in a market research survey. As we sat in the waiting area I turned to her and whispered, “I need to go to the potty.” (Yes, I said "potty!") As we stood up and walked to the bathroom she said loudly, “Wow, Daddy! You’ve had to go to the potty a lot today!” (Thank you endless diet cola refills at lunch!)

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A part of me was mortified that she would say that out loud in front of a group of people. The other part, well it couldn’t stop laughing on the inside. Kids have a way of dishing the “dirt” on us don’t they? Employees do too!

After training and spending time with many associates over the years, I’ve become privy to many of their hidden thoughts and secrets of the people they work for and work with.

Listen, before I lose some of you, I know that the people who work for you often have very different perceptions of reality than you do! But whether you agree with how they feel or not, you still need your people to do well if you want to do well, don’t you? And to do that it helps to know what are some common things that employees think about you and the company.

So, here are some thoughts that have been shared by employees to me along with some of my own observations over the years...

• I can see when you’re surfing on the net and not “working on a report." Just be real!

• I may act like I hate it, but I do need you to keep me accountable.

• I could use more recognition when I do things well.

• There are times when I get stuck, but I’m afraid to ask for your help because I think you’ll get mad at me for asking.

• If you’re going to empower me...than empower me! But don't take my head off when I make a decision you disagree with. Tell me what I did 'wrong' and provide me with tools to make a better decision next time.

• I think most of our meetings are a waste of time. But I often pretend to like them because it means a break from work.

• If you spent more time asking questions of what we thought rather than being the “know-it-all” we’d get more things done and you’d have less to do.

• I wish I knew what I needed to do to be able to move up in the company.

• There is someone on the team that needs to be fired. We’re all waiting to see if and when you’ll do it.

• I respect you more when you admit mistakes and when you say “I’m sorry.”

• This job is harder than you think (or remember) it is.

• I generally do like working for you! Sometimes I need your help in keeping it that way.

Telling people what to do is easy. Motivating people to want to do the things they should do isn’t easy. The good news is knowing what your people are thinking is a great place to start!

And...if you’d like to know more about what your people are thinking and feeling about things, why not ask them?

What are some secrets that you wish one of your employers would have known?

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Keywords: employee retention, employee communication, supervisor skills, leadership, management skills, rommel anacan, relationship difference, corporate training, keynote speaking, communication training, people skills,