Respect Boundaries, Stay Real

 

Time wasting is an ongoing abuse in the workplace.  As a manager, you have the power to call the plays of the game.

You'll be the one who most often tips the first domino that sends many others falling down.

When you schedule meetings give thought to the impact your request has on others.  Employees have their own plan for the day in full swing and are often thrown into a frenzy to accommodate a meeting request at the last minute.

Start and stop meetings on time.  Let people know you expect them to be on time and they can count on you to be as well.  If the agenda isn’t finished by the time the meeting is scheduled to end then brainstorm with all attendees the best way to address unfinished business rather than assume it works to run the meeting later than planned.

Think it through when you schedule early in the morning and late in the day meetings.  Working parents have to contend with day care hours, football practices and school start and stop times.

Likewise, stay real about the flexibility that will be needed for employees with home and family obligations.  Concerns that come with aging parents, an emergency or life changing events like a wedding or a funeral are going to require consideration and accommodation in the workplace.  The demands of successful parenting will be complimented by a flexible schedule when employees want to make it to their kids’ school plays or sporting events. 

Managers who are considerate and caring about real world events and issues for employees can also be taken advantage of so it’s more than fair you expect mutual respect when it comes to special requests.  Teach the staff not to overdraw their privilege account and show that you are always willing to work with employees that take pride in not taking advantage.