ccsboardroom blog

Recently I have had the opportunity of seeing the frustration, dissappointment and lethargy experienced by people as a result of ‘dysfunctional Management Teams’. The resulting negative management behaviours, such as loss of leadership and poor decision making have a trickle down impact on every person in the organisation.

Let’s examine some of the reasons ‘why this negative impact is so profound?’: Firstly, most people cannot disguise how they feel. Especially about their colleagues. In other words, dyfunctional relationships cause resentment, undermining and loss of loyalty. Senior Managers allow ‘how they feel’ to be communicated to others in the organisation. Negative words and expressions, often communicated without negative intent have a lasting impression on others. Direct reports will feel their Manager’s dissatisfaction. Customers will sense the loss of confidence in the products and services.

Secondly, when Senior Teams don’t ‘hunt as a pack’ mixed messages are communicated into the business. Decsions are often also undermined. The impact of both these is a underperforming company.

Thirdly, Managers begin to focus on their own emotional well being. How do I protect ‘me’! e.g. Ensure support for ‘me’! Promote ‘me’! This ensures the Senior Team is more concerned for their own good than that of their common business goals.

All of the above can result in the following symptoms:
- Staff leaving due to inconsistent management style … ‘I don’t know what to expect’
- Customers going to other suppliers because they sense a loss of focus and committment
- Reduced profitability as people lose sight of efficiency and quality …. ‘If my Manager cares less, why should I care more?’
- Decreased customer satsfaction as people within the company forget ‘why they do what they do?’

If CEO’s spent more of their time focusing on ‘leadership of the senior team’, business performance would increase immeasurably!

What’s the state of your Management Team ‘dysfunctionality’? email or call me if you want it tested! It could be the best investment you make in the next 12 months!