| Recap of the Leadership Quick Tip for November 30, 2009: Congress is certain to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. It will be easier for unions to organize than ever before in the history of the U.S. This can potentially bring companies to their knees . . . unless they start preparing now. |
The door for government intervention has been opened because, as anyone can see, there is widespread discontent in the workforce in America today.
The problem is that corporate leadership has failed to grab the bull by the horns and address employee concerns. Is it lack of awareness on the part of leaders? Is it unconcern? Is it blindness to the consequences?
If we don’t fix the problem ourselves, the government is going to do it for us, at least that’s their perspective. (To learn more sign up for our webinar on December 2nd.)
The solution simply is to manage and lead effectively, nothing more, nothing less.
People respond well to good leadership. They perform and they enjoy their work. Research studies have shown this for decades. It’s a fact.
One of the most important elements of effective leadership is clearly seeing what your employees are thinking. Here is an example of how leaders stumble and fall on this issue.
Why do employees join unions? Look at what employees say, then what supervisors believe.
| Reasons why employees join unions | Employee Rank |
Supervisor Rank |
| 1. Not being appreciated for work done | 1 | 8 |
| 2. Not feeling in on things | 2 | 10 |
| 3. No sympathy or help on personal problems | 3 | 9 |
| 4. Not having job security | 4 | 2 |
| 5. Wages not good | 5 | 1 |
| 6. Work not interesting | 6 | 5 |
| 7. Lack of promotion and growth in company | 7 | 3 |
| 8. No personal loyalty to workers | 8 | 6 |
| 9. Working conditions not good | 9 | 4 |
| 10. Discipline not tactful | 10 | 7 |
As these results show, supervisors often are out of touch. When this happens, it is impossible to lead effectively. If you don’t know what your people want, how can you give it to them? You’ll be giving them the wrong things. How motivating is that? And who wants to follow that kind of leader?
Why not go ahead and kick up your leadership effectiveness a notch. Focus on employee motivation, employee job satisfaction, employee performance management, and the like. It all boils down to realizing everybody wins when you lead effectively.
Now is the time for action. Employees who are ticked off at work are not productive. That means everybody loses, including you. Think about it.
And remember, the clock is running. The Employee Free Choice Act soon will be law. The government wants to do your job for you. If you don’t believe this, think twice. Learn more about how the Act will affect you! If you want to learn more, participate in our webinar about the Employee Free Choice Act today!
Martha Forlines and Thad Green
