What's The Worst Behavior You're Tolerating?

If there's ever a quote that sucker punches your leaderly self, it might be this:

 
 

Can we let that sink in for a sec?

I'm reminded of the message I wrote last month about the 2 team leaders who had *ahem* problem employees and yet weren't able to have a direct performance conversation with them to get to a resolution.

This tolerance has a direct correlation to culture. Heck, your tolerance of lots of things contributes to the culture of your team:

  • Someone’s bad attitude

  • Someone's spotty attendance

  • Someone's lack of initiative

  • Someone's tone of voice

  • Someone's communication style


Managers are shaping, optimizing, and potentially degrading their team's culture by what they let slide.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MANAGERS

This is a good time to ask yourself, "What am I tolerating?"

And, friend, I'm not talking about that one time one person was a jerk. I mean tolerating patterns of behavior that everybody sees, feels, and wishes are different.

Is there a person who's been getting away with their behavior because they are the star of the team? Or they are the owner's daughter? Or the client's favorite?

Are you telling yourself that you're too busy to address behaviors that seem small or petty but, in reality, are degrading the quality of your team?

Not sure what it might mean for you, but even just considering the above question is a good start.

What are you tolerating that's holding a person, your team, or even your leadership back?

 
 

About The Author

For the past two decades, Cecilia Gorman has helped advertising agencies and other creatively-minded companies fix costly communication and productivity issues by teaching managers how to become better connectors, motivators, and leaders. Cecilia is the author of Always Believe In Better, creator of the digital learning course for managers—Manager Boot Camp, and co-founder of the global training and support community for working women—Empowership.

Interested in growing your skills as a manager? Check out how Manager Boot Camp might help.

 
 
Cecilia Gorman2023Comment