A frightening 100% of people responding to its web survey had experienced a difficult boss at some time in their working lives, and a staggering 88% said that they had actually left a job because of their boss or manager.
Workplace disputes appear to be rife; 89% of respondents having had a disagreement in the workplace with a manager and 67% having made a complaint regarding a manager. Ultimately, it seems that although a lot of us have difficulties with managers, most of us would rather leave a job than make a complaint against them.
Mark Wilson, Sharp Consultancy’s MD says: “These are worrying statistics for employers as they suggest that management style in this country generally leaves a lot to be desired. I think it indicates strongly that people skills are undervalued when candidates are considered for senior positions and/or that there is a lack of, or possibly inappropriate, training and guidance when someone is given a senior role, so that people management skills are never really developed.
“There may also be a lack of support for employees who have issues with their boss. Often, especially within smaller teams or organisations, there may be no one relevant to make a complaint to other than the boss or manager causing the issue.There is often a belief that complaining would make a bad situation worse too, so it’s easier to leave and look for somewhere better than to rock the boat."
He continues: “I think that training, support and communication are all key to turning this situation around. It also takes co-operation from all sides. Both the manager and employee have a responsibility to ensure that they don’t create issues in the workplace that could hinder the performance of the other employees and the running of the business.”
