5 Management Mistakes That Are Driving Your Staff to Leave

You're facing high turnover in your team, and you're unsure what's driving it. You don't think your management style is bad, yet your employee churn rate is becoming a real problem.

Here are 5 common mistakes managers make that cause staff to head for the door. It may be time to accept that your management style needs an overhaul.

1. Playing Favourites

It's an easy mistake to make, especially at the start of your management career when you're feeling uncertain and naturally favour those who make your life easier. But favouritism in teams can become toxic to team engagement and loyalty. It makes those who aren't favoured feel like they don't have a chance of being noticed, so they stop trying. This leads to a dangerous cycle where they begin seeing favouritism in every decision you make.

Suggestion: If you've been paying less attention to certain employees, make an effort to praise and reward them. They may not be your top performers, but ignoring them means ignoring their potential.

2. Not Giving a Good Balance of Motivational and Developmental Feedback

If you don't balance motivational and developmental feedback, your team may feel unsure about where they're going wrong or feel like they're always being criticised.

Suggestion: It's important to give regular feedback. We've recently written a blog on this topic with advice on how to deliver both types of feedback in a positive and constructive way.

3. Overworking Your Team

You may love your job, but that doesn't mean others will share your passion, especially if you're someone who doesn't see a problem with leaving the office at 9 pm. Most people don't relate to this, so it's important not to force your work habits onto them.

Suggestion: Research shows that productivity drops when people work long hours, so make the most of the engaged, productive hours your employees willingly offer. Start by thanking them for their hard work and letting them know you'll ease off the long hours in return for a solid day of work.

4. Inconsistent Behaviour or Decision-Making

One day you’re in a great mood, praising everyone, and the next you're publicly criticising people at their desks. One day you love creative ideas, and the next you want everyone to stick to traditional methods. This inconsistency makes it hard for your team to understand what success looks like in your eyes. They want to please you, but they don't know how.

Suggestion: Take control of your emotions. Notice your triggers and create a plan for a more balanced approach. Make it clear when you're open to different ideas, and communicate your vision and goals consistently.

5. Still Thinking You’re the Star

This is a surprisingly common behaviour among newer managers. You were excellent in your previous role, which is why you got promoted. But your job now is to bring out the best in others and let them take the glory.

Suggestion: You need to let others show their potential. Avoid micromanaging or thinking your way is the only way. Offer support but give them the space to shine.

6. Not Knowing Enough About Your Employees

Employee disengagement can come from many sources, including a lack of career progression or challenge. Many managers don't know what their employees value, making it hard to keep them happy and engaged.

Suggestion: Sit down with each employee and find out what's important to them. What career challenges would they like? What kind of training would benefit them? Any effort you make to improve their job satisfaction will be appreciated. You could ask for feedback too while you're at it.

By avoiding these common management mistakes and paying attention to your team's needs, you can create a more engaged, motivated, and loyal workforce.

Many thanks,

Alex & The Excel Team

P.S. If you would like to discuss any of your other learning & development challenges, book in your discovery call.

About Excel Communications

Excel Communications is a learning and development consultancy based near London in the U.K. For more than 30 years; we have been collaborating with clients across the globe.  

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