When you think about a top level manager, what image typically comes up in your mind? In all probability, this is a talented individual, demanding to him/herself and to others, working under stress all the time, frequently lacking patience and tolerance, prone to anger outbursts when results are below the expected. So, stress and anxiety are the most common traits of a stereotypical executive.
Moreover, people with equal talents, but with calmer disposition and less authoritative behaviour are often left behind when it comes to promotion to the top positions in the company. This is to a great extent due to the stereotype that laid-back people are less leaderlike. When you think harder about it, it turns out that stress is something of a virtue and indispensable if you’re wishing to climb the career ladder. But is it really so? Is stress so beneficial for getting better work results?
Why high-stress work environment is harmful for business?
In fact, giving preference to high-stress leadership model has two major drawbacks. First of all, it is the leader who sets the “mood” and serves as the example for the employees. Therefore, a manager who is constantly stressed creates the corresponding environment for his/her subordinates. Although there are leaders who are committed to achieving outstanding results and are at the same time admired by each team member, in most cases the situation is less optimistic. When people are appointed managers for their ability to reach the goals whatever it takes, most often the price is high employee turnover and productivity drop, if the tendency continues for a long time. The point is, employees get tired of constantly working “on the verge” and lose their motivation. So, stress isn’t the best friend if you need to do the work really well.
The second, but no less important reason for doubting stress a beneficial factor promoting good work results is that many gifted and skillful employees are denied top positions because they don’t comply with the “working under constant stress” standard. What makes matters worse, is that often such individuals aren’t only calmer, but also have strong communication and teambuilding skills. These make up an excellent manager who could demonstrate outstanding performance and be looked up by employees who are satisfied with their work and motivated to work better all the time.
How to cope with high-stress management?
So, the abovementioned implies that the stressful style of work that is so common nowadays isn’t really promoting productivity. Therefore, in case you happen to be one of its representatives, it will do you good to learn to manage your stress and train patience and tolerance. However, remember that the change of leadership style shouldn’t affect your excellence and quality orientation.
What about other top positions in your company? Obviously, making serious shifts within your company management should be proved by the objective data. The ultimate way would be to measure current employee productivity and make conclusions. With time tracker software, this task is simple to do, and takes little of your time.
Using time-tracker to estimate and improve employee productivity
Basically, this tool records what software or websites an employee is using during their workday, and categorizes them as productive, unproductive and neutral (uncategorized). At the end of the day, the evaluation of each employee efficiency is ready in the form of a comprehensive report. By using the time tracker software for a period of time, you’ll be able to notice the tendencies and take the corresponding measures.
Moreover, you’ll get much more information about your employees’ activity, for instance:
- attendance report (late attendance, early leaves);
- overall time worked;
- absences from the workplace and their duration (optionally – reason).
Analysing and interpreting the received data will serve as a ground for making weighted decisions, spotting potential leaders or staff members who aren’t right for their position.
As proved by numerous use cases, implementing a time tracking service in the workplace improves employee corporate morale and facilitates more productive work by 20% on average.
Would you like to check the numbers yourself and find out what’s the real situation in your company? Try monitoring the work of your employees with Yaware.TimeTracker. Start the free 14-day trial right now by registering your account, no strings attached or credit card number needed.
