The Devil Wears Prada was a 2006 comedy-drama film based on Lauren Weisenberger’s novel of the same name. It was an entertaining film about a powerful fashion magazine editor, Miranda, and her young assistant; Andy. Miranda was an overbearing boss who had no respect for her employees, refused to learn their names, never praised any good work done or saw the need to thank her staff. She ruled the magazine with terror and fear and did not tolerate any form of sloppiness or even the tiniest mistakes. Though the movie was a work of fiction, this situation is a reality at several workplaces and organisations. Instilling fear at the workplace may be a method of ensuring that employees comply with the rules and the regulations of the organisation, but the question is does it yield productivity?

“Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it is amazing what they can accomplish”. –Sam Walton

I interviewed an employee and this is what she said about her boss:

“Mr X is an obnoxious and domineering man. He never acknowledges anyone’s greetings or calls anyone by name. It was simply as if we did not exist. Once he walks into his office, it was simply a matter of minutes before he started to yell at an employee, to belittle, hurl insults at, or berate over the tiniest mistake. He never shows gratitude or acknowledges good work done. We’ve all stayed because we needed the job, but secretly think that our boss is a bully and that we were under appreciated. We all secretly want to leave and so the organisation does not have anyone’s loyalty or allegiance”.

How leaders in an organisation treat their employees does matter. Insensitive treatment of employees or colleagues has a way of whittling away at people’s health, performance and souls, leading to demoralised employees. While some leaders attribute their mean attitude to work overload, and pressure from their superiors, some conclude that being terrifying and ferocious is a symbol of strength and authority.

“Leadership is not wielding authority, it is empowering people”- Becky Brodin

As a leader, what do your employees think and say about you when you are not there? Do they ‘Respect’ or ‘Fear’ you? If you left the position and ten years later met a former employee, what would that meeting be like? Would you be greeted with warmth and respect or ignored and insulted? Will they ever refer to you as a mentor or reference you as a coach?

What is your legacy as a leader?

TRENDING NEWS

THE MAN THAT FIRES IS FIRED!

Tim Most people know Mr. Donald Trump as either: a real estate billionaire, a business mogul or a reality television star on the show ‘The Apprentice”. Recently he made a statement about Mexican immigrants ‘bringing in drugs, crime and are rapists’. The backlash was immediate.

Multiple high profile businesses and organisations including Macy’s, and Nascar cut ties with him and Univision the television station that airs the Miss Universe pageant (a pageantry organised by Donald Trump) cancelled this year’s pageant.

Despite the negative reactions, Mr. Trump unapologetic felt that he had the right to air his personal opinions despite the consequences. One would think that at his level, he would have known that public speaking is more than just speaking your mind but a skill that is used to influence and communicate. The question has always been, is Public speaking innate or learnt? Nature vs Nurture? At what point are executives expected to develop and master the art of winning with words?

It does seem ironic that the man who has been doing the firing for years, got fired by NBC, the television station that hosts his reality show might have used his most popular words ” Mr. Trump, you are fired!”

Final words:

Remember that as a leader, it is important to build your people and not tear them down with your actions or words. Next month, we will run a sequel on the topic “Partnering With Your Boss”. This will be an expose on how to have a working relationship with your boss; making a mentor and coach of your boss, regardless of how “mean they are”.

Till we meet next month, remember that your employee reflects who you are.

Till then, be a great leader!