… information, that is! I’ve rarely read a great (or even really good) article on management that I haven’t kept. In the early days it was in file folders and 3-ring binders. Now, it’s mostly digital. And like all hoarders, sometimes I have to clean up.
Last week I attacked a large binder full of articles. I threw out most of them, but a few gems remained. I’d like to share one written by Dr. Adele Scheele for the now-defunct magazine “Working Woman:” The Top 10 Questions you need to ask to find out if you’re a Bad Boss.
1) Are my directions usually clear, or do you depend on your co-workers to help figure out what your tasks are?
2) Do I often change my mind and alter your assignments after you’ve already begun?
3) Do I usually edit your work without improving it?
4) Am I usually open to new ideas and innovative plans?
5) Do you think that I’m disappointed in your work?
6) Do I provide constructive feedback?
7) Do you trust me?
8) Do I help develop your skills and promote you?
9) Am I available when you need additional assistance?
10) Do I create or operate in a crisis mode too often?
Dr. Scheele suggested you ask these questions if you have 3 or more direct reports and do it anonymously. Based on my experience, I believe if you have a strong, honest relationship with your employees, you can comfortably ask some, if not all, of the questions directly. Either way these questions have stood the test of time and, for better or worse, encourage me to keep on hoarding!