One of my managers is struggling to win the respect of his team. Help!

Dear Aunty B,

I have a problem with one of my managers that is quite baffling. He is a very solid individual, delivers on result, is encouraging to staff and good at his job. But his team does not like him. I can’t put my finger on why, and neither can my staff when I ask them.It is quite frustrating because he tries his best but people keep resigning or asking to transfer out of his division. I have tried getting him management training and although he did well in the course, it didn’t change the feeling of the staff.

Is there an intangible element to leadership? And is it possible that he just doesn’t have that? You would never describe him as charismatic – in in fact he can be quite closed and a bit arrogant – but I am not charismatic and they respect me as a leader. What more can I do?

TL,
Perth

Dear TL,

There are lots of people who are leaders who have no charisma whatsoever. Look at John Howard. Or Kevin Rudd. Or Christopher Pyne! Go figure.

The intangible is this. Do the staff really believe this guy can do the job better than them? Do they really respect and look up to him? And most importantly, does this guy listen to them or does he go around making lots of unilateral decisions on behalf of staff so they feel powerless to control their own destiny?

Don’t underestimate the damage arrogant bosses can have on staff. Arrogance usually masks insecurity. And the insecurity of a boss can be a powerful driver. They have to pretend to be all sorts of things to mask their insecurity rather than be themselves and admit they don’t know a lot and that is why they have hired great people who often know more than they do.

Ask your employees about that boss and I think they will report they are not consulted enough, and feel that decisions that affect them are out of their control. Go back to that manager and explain that his best tool is his staff. Tell him to change reporting lines, the way he communicates and to try to be open with people.

Be smart,

Your Aunty B

To read more Aunty B advice, click here.

Email your questions, problems and issues to auntyb@smartcompany.com.au right now!