Ways to Reduce Manager Stigma in the Workplace

If you have ever worked under a manager before, there is a good chance you have had some less-than-enjoyable instances. By no means is every manager you work with going to be difficult, but there might be a couple. It is easy to disagree with a manager or even automatically see them as the bad guy in the workplace. After all, it is their job to make sure everything is done perfectly and professionally. They must do a lot of the jobs that no one enjoys, so giving them a break is worth doing.

When you are the manager, you want to try and reduce this stigma as much as possible. You don’t want to walk into a new role and have everyone immediately write you off. So, what can you do to change their minds? The truth is, they might already have an impression of you, just from the role you possess. So, the only real way to change this opinion is through your actions. Here are some of the things you can do to help reduce this stigma and premature impressions.

Have Clear Rules and Protocols

You would probably be very popular in the workplace if you were not strict in the slightest bit. Let every employee dress and act how they like. With no punishment and protocol in place, the workplace would be much happier, right? It could be a happier place for a maximum of a week. Without strict guidelines and rules, a workplace will fall apart. This is why it is up to the manager to ensure that the business follows all the right rules. Stating these rules from the very start is going to be important. This means you can’t be accused of being unfair or biased, as you are just following the written rules.

An example of this could be when it comes to substance abuse. You don’t want a situation where you suspect an issue in the workplace but end up being wrong in your confrontation. If you just use drug and alcohol testing regularly, then you eliminate the need for suspicion. You are simply abiding by the rules, and don’t think anything of anyone.

Be More Open

One of the reasons why workers don’t love their bosses from the start is due to that relationship barrier that often occurs. The difference in roles can often make it feel like you don’t know one another. Being open can help to avoid this. By doing this, you are going to seem more relatable and be more included.

Give Constant Feedback

Communication is going to be a big tool when it comes to having healthy relationships at work. One of the best ways to do this is to give frequent feedback. When you are doing this, bad feedback won’t seem insulting or disappointing. If you give weekly feedback, regardless of if it is good or bad, then employees won’t take as much offense to the latter and won’t resent you as much.

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