Just when you think you have seen it all!  Right?  I have been there so many times!  Ha-ha

As the Manager, you undoubtedly find yourself right smack in the middle of various office issues, concerns, and problems.  Yup, it’s all part of the job!  There isn’t some secret handbook somewhere that only you don’t have access to, that tells you how to deal with every situation.  You are presented with issues that you could never have imagined!  It seemed that every time I thought I had seen or heard it all, there was something new.  One thing for sure, never a dull moment!         

Firstly, there are the daily routine problems relating to various things, such as equipment, the clients you serve, or the business’s day-to-day operation.  These are to be expected and are usually manageable by yourself or by someone you delegate.  Although you experience some short-term stress, you work through the situation using your problem-solving skills and resourcefulness.  Soon it’s over, and you move on.       

Secondly, there are issues, concerns, and problems involving the employees you manage.  Employee performance concerns, personality conflict, power struggle, and drama are not as easy to navigate.  These situations are more emotionally charged!  Yes, I get it, the problem, or perceived problem, may have nothing to do with you directly; nevertheless, it has fallen into your lap.  You are the Manager!

You may be thinking that if people would do their job and mind their own business, everything would be fine—ha-ha.  I admit, I too have had that thought, but from my experience, that’s not the way it works.  There’s a saying that goes, “If so-and-so has a problem, I have a problem.” Familiar with that one?      

For you, the Manager, employee problems can become a daily dread!  Because it is considered the Manager’s role to maintain a smooth-running, productive, and happy office, and because you are who you are, you take on the responsibility to do just that.  But as you wade through the problems, you can easily get bogged down.  Issues and negativity can feel personal.  You may even feel attacked or blamed as the complaining or reacting person uses you as their sounding board. 

So—how long does this continue before you become fed up and exhausted?  How long before you start to think that you are not the right person for the job?  That you don’t have the proper set of skills for this?  That you have somehow failed or aren’t good at it?  Oh!  I hear you—I feel your pain!           

Now imagine for a moment what it would be like if you could wave your magic wand and this part of your job, dealing with employee issues, concerns and problems, wasn’t stressful or difficult.  What if you could cut the emotional attachment?  Would you feel better about going to work each day?  Would you be happier in your role as Manager?  Would you stop counting the years till retirement?  Ha-ha            

Let me share with you a perspective that is a huge game-changer!  Below, I have a super simple example that most Managers can relate to.  As you read, pay attention to your thoughts and how you feel.  

Example) An Office Manager says that they have a problem because one of the employees they manage is chronically late for work.  Now let me ask you—who has a problem?  From my perspective, it isn’t the Manager, unless they are the one who is chronically late.  In all seriousness, it’s the employee who has the problem!  When you have indicated to an employee that they need to be at work for 8:00 am and show up at 8:10 am, it’s pretty easy for you to take that personally.  It feels like a blatant personal disrespect!  But, their problem of poor time management, daily flat tire, or whatever the case may be, is not about you. 

Now, so there is no misunderstanding here, let me clarify.  As the Manager, you certainly don’t walk around the office saying, “not my problem.”  Ha-ha. That’s not what I’m getting at here.  It’s your job as the Manager to identify and address problems, state the expectation clearly to the employee, and follow-through by holding them accountable. It is not your job to pick up their issue and carry it as your own!  Learn the difference!

Take a few minutes and think about all the problems you currently have or think you have, involving the employees you manage.  Are they really your problems?  Maybe you don’t even have a work-related problem.  Imagine that! 

This shift in perspective can save you!  When you take a step back and stop getting wrapped up emotionally in situations, you relax, and your unique and valuable skills show up.  Now you truly step into your role as Manager.  You work through problems and issues with more calm, clarity, and ease.  You are objective, kind, and fair.  You effectively use your energy as you lead, guide, and coach with confidence.

If you have a specific employee problem or issue that you would like to share and discuss with me, please send a private email at teresa@managerrefresh.com.  I would so enjoy hearing from you!