Poor leadership, not salaries or benefits, is the leading cause of low workplace morale, according to a survey released July 24 by Challenger, Grey and Christmas, a Chicago-based outplace consulting organization.
Here's where the kid in me instantly reacts by saying "No duh".
But while we all know this and have experienced it first hand, here's the funny part: Nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of the responding human resources executives put the blame for low morale on leadership problems. BUT Respondents didn't consider morale the most pressing workplace issue, however—35 percent chose "managing change."
Oh yeah, that's right, the ever popular change management. We have all heard this before. What, you have low morale and a decrease in drive to come to work each morning? Well, you've got to learn how to handle change better! Nevermind all the voodoo that management is cooking up and its natural effect on your morale. No, no, it's your ability to adapt to everything we keep springing on you, son!
And nevermind that the majority of the employees feel pissed upon and have a morale level that can be measured with a "zerometer". Management will always refuse to believe it has anything to do with them. In other words, they'll say loud and clear, "It's not us, it's you. Take a Change Management course or something to help you deal with it".
And that attitude, of course, causes morale to plummet into the negative numbers.
This causes me to wonder: What in the heck happens during the transition when one goes from a peon employee to a management level employee? Is there some sort of hazing ritual during which your ability to think like a normal human being is beaten so badly that its damaged beyond repair? Are you forced to read manager magazines until your mind is mush? Is there a sensitivity chip removed? Or maybe some sort of logical thought process blocker installed?
Personally, I'm betting for the second one and last one. They seem about right.
ACube2Graphic(08/14/2006)
This is exactly what I've been saying for a while now! Amen! Our mgmnt. needs to read this article. Instead of trying to solve the reasons behind poor morale, we get a nasty letter (attached to our paycheck)to deal with it, stop complaining or leave!What kinda of mgr. says that to employees, and puts it in WRITING! Duh!
just me(08/14/2006)
DOUBLE AMEN!
twiz(08/14/2006)
My favorite is when companies re-write their policies to try and resolve a problem with one bad manager. Instead of confronting them, or better yet firing them for incompetance, they keep piling new policies in place. The whole time making everyone else miserable with the new policies and showing they support the bad manager by keeeping him around. I think manager\'s should get \"voted\" into office like in politics. None of this head boss hires his old fraternity brother crap. Let the workers of the company voice their opinion on who should be in management. I bet you would see 75% turnover in current management, and a much happier workforce.
Dharmadee(08/15/2006)
Yes, this sounds familiar. Actually, I heard that the Bimbo Manager gave a report where she claimed that the department "had some problems at first-but is now beginning to adapt to the managment changes." In other words, we have given up all hope of ever being heard...I guess that is what it always means.
BPFH(08/27/2006)
Well, of course. If "managing change" is the problem, then it's the employee's fault. If "morale" is the problem, then it might, just might, be the management's fault... amd we can't have that, now can we?
Dharmadee(09/04/2006)
ACube2Graphic - Imagine this. How about a "team-building" department meeting, where the idiot of an administrator asks for suggestions on how to build morale, and then writes down as NUMBER 1 the Bimbo's suggestion that there be "NO MORE WHINING!!!!" Now that's productive!
ACube2Graphic(09/08/2006)
I already heard that here where I work, too, unfortunately. "Deal with it and don't whine". Yup, that's the attitude.
Dharmadee(09/08/2006)
One of the "lifetime" employees at my workplace, a "ra-ra" cheerleader type, told me today, "I can't comment on management, I just do whatever they tell me to! That is all there is, just do whatever the boss tells you to do!" ????! And if the "boss" tells you to kill your first-born, or jump off a bridge??? WTH? Is that what we are coming to? I think some Nazi soldiers got prosecuted for war crimes, due to that attitude.
Oh yeah, that's right, the ever popular change management. We have all heard this before. What, you have low morale and a decrease in drive to come to work each morning? Well, you've got to learn how to handle change better! Nevermind all the voodoo that management is cooking up and its natural effect on your morale. No, no, it's your ability to adapt to everything we keep springing on you, son!
This causes me to wonder: What in the heck happens during the transition when one goes from a peon employee to a management level employee? Is there some sort of hazing ritual during which your ability to think like a normal human being is beaten so badly that its damaged beyond repair? Are you forced to read manager magazines until your mind is mush? Is there a sensitivity chip removed? Or maybe some sort of logical thought process blocker installed?
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