In its latest poll where 2000 employees were surveyed, consulting company Orion Partners found that only 4.8 % of bosses are considered good leaders by their subordinates.
The study was based on the principles of neuroscience. Employees graded their bosses on several criteria, such as motivating by threat versus reward, change management, empathy, personal self-awareness, etc. An incredible 24 % rated their subordinates as poor in all aspects that were judged.
So what are the leaders doing wrong? Almost one half of all surveyed employees stated that they feel that their bosses threaten more than they rewards for work. Communicating changes is another problem. Only 35 % of employees stated that if a change is necessary they are also communicated the reasons and benefits of why the change needs to be implemented.
Empathy by leaders makes employees feel understood and appreciated. But a full 85 % of the surveyed employees stated that their bosses are only interested in what they do, not how they feel.
The message from this poll is absolutely clear: Leaders should use more carrots and less sticks. It is necessary to communicate with employees individually and explain to them the need for the changes in relation to the employees themselves. Good leaders should also be aware of their own strengths and weaknesses and they should adapt their behavior to them.
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