5 Management Mistakes That Drive Good Employees Away

Double Your Productivity

A great manager has an enormous positive impact. In Multipliers, Liz Wiseman found that better managers get at least 2x more from their teams.

That’s because employees working for a great manager are more likely to bring forward creative ideas and be motivated to go ‘above and beyond’, offering more of their discretionary effort and energy to your company.

If you want to double your business without doubling the size of your payroll, start by taking a close look at your management style and systems.

Almost No One Knows How to Manage

In most small to medium businesses, management is done by the owner of the company or by someone they’re promoted up through the ranks.

That means the manager is in the role by default, or on the strength of their individual performance. They might not have had any formal management training at all.

To make things worse, life in a small business moves quickly – so it’s possible there was never a formal management system put into place, or it’s one you’ve outgrown.

Management Mistakes Cost Time & Money

Poor management will cost your business in lost productivity, shoddy work that needs to be redone, or by forcing you into recruitment and training mode when good employees leave for other opportunities.

The good news is that management is a skill, and it can be learned.

If you think you may not be managing to your full potential, here are 5 common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Avoiding difficult conversations

As a manager, your job isn’t to sugarcoat or ignore the issues. You’ve got to face them head on. After all, if you stick your head in the sand, life has a way of kicking you in the butt…. Candid, honest conversations may feel uncomfortable, but they are the kindest thing you can do for your team in the long run.

2. Treating everyone the same

It’s not fair to treat everyone the same when it means failing to reward exceptional efforts or address individual errors.

Want a quick way to tank morale? Hold the whole team accountable when one person isn’t pulling their weight. That’s how lazy managers build lazy teams.

Think of it like playing chess instead of checkers – every player moves differently and has their own strengths and weaknesses. Ignoring those differences won’t help you win the game.

3. Asking for excuses

“Why didn’t that get done?”

If you ask for an excuse, you’ll get one.

4. Calling pointless meetings

At their best, meetings are great. They’re an efficient way to communicate, resolve issues, make quick decisions, and build relationships.

In the wrong hands, meetings become a colossal waste of time. Unless there’s a firm agenda, a clear decision, and a reason for people to be there, you’re burning time and money.

5. Focusing on what’s not working

As a manager, how much energy is dedicated to correcting or mentoring the B and C players on the team? And how much effort goes to the A players, who are getting the job done?

If your time is spent finding and correcting mistakes, chances are pretty good that your A players aren’t feeling recognized, supported, or acknowledged. Accountable people love to be held accountable, and they’ll have plenty of opportunities to find that level of support elsewhere.

This Week’s Takeaway

Companies with great managers boast better morale, higher job satisfaction, reduced turnover, and unsurprisingly, higher profit margins.

If you’re ready to level up your management system, consider joining my 12-Week Management Masterclass.

Plus, there’s a free webinar on March 4th covering the importance of Management vs Leadership – sign up here to learn more!

Listen to Susie Beghin, author and founder of Alpha's Discovery Kids Preschool and Daycare, as she discusses her top 3 keys to success, resonating and innovating to reach new audiences, when and how to delegate, plus managing your stress, mindset, and positivity.

March 4th: Management vs Leadership - A Free Webinar to Get the Best From Your Team and Your Business!

This free webinar will help you build a more productive, passionate and focused team - one that's as committed to your organization's objectives as you are.

Whether you’re new to the role or looking to sharpen your skills, you’ll leave with practical tools to make your job easier and your team stronger.

Learn more, and register here.

Multipliers: By Liz Wiseman

This is one of those books that really makes you rethink leadership. It breaks down the difference between leaders who drain energy and talent from their teams (Diminishers) and those who amplify the intelligence of those around them (Multipliers). If you want to get more from your people without burning them out (or yourself), this book is worth your time.

Check it out!

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