Managing in a Mobile Economy
Life at the office is changing. Or, at least, it should be. If things at your workplace are about the same as they were twenty — even ten — years ago, chances are things could get ugly. The days of dictatorial overlords who keep workers imprisoned in cubicles with no hope of escape are fading. As “acclimated” workers are leaving the workforce in droves, and people who grew up quoting Office Space are entering the workplace, expectations are shifting dramatically.
Technology is also creating a new normal. And woe to the manager who opts to ignore these monolithic shifts in work culture. But, if you are not Mr. Minimalist the Anything Goes boss, good news. You don’t have to be…and you can make some gradual shifts in protocol and procedures that will allow your comfort level to adjust while you set the foundation for attracting and retaining the best people.
First, stop determining who is “good” or not based on how well they follow the rules, how early they come in or how late they stay. Particularly if they are hourly. Instead, begin to measure success based on actual results, achieved benchmarks that are clear to all involved. While that might sound insane to you, ask yourself: do you want compliant workers or successful team members? The choice is yours.
Next, don’t be so hung up on where work is accomplished. There are some businesses out there that require workers to come in every day even when it’s more cost effective and profitable for them and everyone else to allow that employee to telecommute. While the pj’s on the couch method is not always the best way to stay productive, in some cases it can both increase employee happiness and increase your profitability. If that’s the case in your business, get out of your way and let it happen.
Stop all the meetings already. If people know what they need to know and the people who need to know are well informed, why is everyone sitting around? People have stuff to do. Let them do that stuff. Unless meetings directly benefit your bottom line, cut down on them. Why? Because you know who likes meetings? People who probably shouldn’t be working for you, that’s who. Harsh? Think about it. If you have an employee who would rather attend a meeting than get actual work done, you have someone who is probably sitting at their desk RIGHT NOW dreaming up something OTHER THAN WORK to do.
Finally, never forget that, as the leader, you set the expectation and the tone in the office. Your work approach and attitude will either be appreciated or resented. Take ownership of the attitude you display and the attitudes you engender. After all, what isn’t your responsibility can still be your fault.
Jonah Engler is a finance expert who hails from New York City.