Football Fans are beginning to wonder whether Manchester United Manager Lois Van Gaal has ‘lost the dressing room’ in much the same as Jose Mourinho did a few short weeks ago at Chelsea.
This Management phenomenon is not confined to the World of Sport – it is surprisingly common in the fields of Business & industry, so what are the symptoms:-
- Directions which once went unchallenged are now contested, sometimes vigorously.
- Staff turnover, once steady & low, increases, sometimes dramatically.
- There is a definite lack of motivation.
- Deadlines are missed & increasingly challenged.
- Tasks become ‘bogged down’ & remain uncompleted.
- Tempers are increasingly frayed.
So what are the causes of this sad state of affairs.
- Poor communication & direction from Senior Management.
- Unrealistic demands to meet unrealistic timescales.
- Workers overloaded with bureaucracy.
- Too many new systems.
- Middle Managers pointing the finger of blame at subordinates.
If you find yourself in this unenviable position of ‘losing your dressing room’ getting the Team back onside is never easy but try this:-
- Be open & honest, not only to the Team but to your Senior Management. This may be painful in the short term but is key to success.
- Stop pointing that finger.
- LISTEN as well as you talk.
- Eat a small portion of ‘humble pie’ even if it sticks in your throat.
chris@amberhill.biz
www.amberhill-associates.com
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