We are living in turbulent times. People have lost faith in institutions and organizations. Managers who are expected to be leaders often feel as if they are drowning. As a result, they cannot provide leadership to their employees. They may even lash out (in a quiet but nonetheless worrisome way) to their direct reports as they seek to anchor their own positions. This exacerbates what may already be a troubled work environment.
We are all busy -- often too busy to have time to reflect. Managers and other responsible "leaders" should step back, take a deep breath, and figure out what they are doing. We all have been guilty of acting too quickly and without thought. It is time to step back, to be thoughtful, and to see what is necessary to do.
In these uncertain times, a manager has to support his/her employees and direct reports. This is not a time to rile people (not that there is ever a time when it is okay to rile people). A manager should be ensuring a good work environment rather than exacerbating an already troublesome environment.
Such activity may not be perceived as leadership but it is. Leadership in a team engages the workers and permits the team to survive and thrive.
Creating a hospitable work climate may appear a small task but it is a major achievement...
