What Are You Afraid Of? Poor Managers-Business Ethics

Poor managers cost companies a lot of money and are the main source of bad business ethics.

They are scary because they are blind to their own weaknesses, and feel empowered for the wrong reasons. In an age and time when the economy is skating sideways, poor managers prevent productivity gains and drive away talent. Their lack of personal ethics results in bad business ethics.

Is it okay for managers to fail to keep promises? Is it okay for bosses to not give workers credit for doing good work?

Should workers deserve the silent treatment from their bosses? How long must the charade continue in companies where poor business ethics continue?

I have General Counsels, Human Resource professionals, and Compliance officers tells me that they are all set because they have Codes of Conduct, personnel policies, hotlines, and reporting/regulatory compliance programs.

I think these are all great and a good start. However, words and procedures cannot fill the void of poor managers.

These people are everywhere and they are tough to get rid of. They’re the ones that say negative things, yet think they practice good business ethics.

Poor managers invade the privacy of workers far more than is reported. We see studies showing 30% of workers make such claims.

We know that poor managers disguise themselves as wannabe leaders. They do a wonderful job of deflecting blame and shifting it to the common worker. How can good business ethics take place when this is the norm?

How can this result in positive cultures where workers want to contribute?

How do we improve the culture of a workplace when bosses cover up their personal mistakes?

Not to sound like a broken record, good managers are leaders by example. They don’t micromanage and numbers don’t rule their lives. Generally, they preach and practice good business ethics.

In an economy where unemployment on a good day is over 9%, I can understand unhappy workers feeling trapped and afraid of poor managers. They are scared to leave their jobs.

For them, it feels like Halloween on most work days. I have a little news flash for you poor managers out there.

Time is ticking on your clock. You want to be a good manager? Learn to be honest, fair, accept input, and quit thinking about you. Think about the power of numbers on a team, in a department, and in a division. We and us matter more than you.

Your job is to teach, enrich, develop, and lead period. Good personal ethics and transparency lead to good business ethics. 

As always, strive to do the right thing every day!!