I Can Never Read My Manager: Am I in Trouble or Not?

Many of us have experienced the anxiety of wondering where we stand with our manager. The mood of a leader can significantly impact our sense of security at work. 

If they engage with me, I feel reassured; if they don’t, I brace for the worst, fearing I'm about to be dragged over the coals.

This triggering response often stems from a certain environment. Here are three reasons this environment is created:

Lack of Clear Communication: When managers don’t provide consistent feedback, employees are left guessing about their performance and job security.

High-Stress Atmosphere: A tense or chaotic work environment can lead to unpredictable behaviour from leaders, making it hard to gauge their mood.

Absence of Psychological Safety: Without a supportive culture that encourages open dialogue, employees may feel vulnerable and anxious about their standing.

To overcome this situation, consider these three tools:

Regular Check-Ins: Schedule one-on-one meetings to gain clarity on expectations and performance, fostering a transparent dialogue. Check-ins are YOUR RIGHT so don't be afraid to keep asking for them.

Clarify Expectations: Work with your manager to establish clear performance metrics and goals. When you know what success looks like, it reduces uncertainty and anxiety.

Develop a Support Network: Build relationships with colleagues to create a support system. Sharing experiences and insights can provide reassurance and help you navigate the work environment more effectively.

Finally, here are three ways to spot triggers and know it’s not a “Me” issue:

Observe Patterns: Notice if the manager’s mood fluctuates with external pressures rather than your performance. This can help contextualise their behaviour.

Seek Peer Insights: Discuss feelings with colleagues; if they share similar experiences, it reinforces that the environment may be the issue, not your performance.

Reflect on Past Interactions: Analyse previous conversations with your manager. If there’s no consistent pattern to their behaviour, it’s likely not about you.

Navigating these dynamics can be challenging, but understanding the underlying factors and employing effective tools can empower us to create healthier work environments.

If this sounds familiar then you need some time with ETC. https://lnkd.in/ei9nJpQG - we are experts in developing leaders and followers of leaders and the dynamics that are often so a reality but don't need to be an obstacle.