The challenge, I would assume, is that building these authentic, work related relationships and open avenues of communication requires some up front energy, time and work. However, implementing these characteristics into how you do business & interact with your employees will have a very high return in the short and long term, in my humble opinion.

I think that many employers do believe they must have a “relationship” with employees and effective “communication.” The problem is they employ stock phrases instead of actually understanding what these words mean. A “relationship” at the office does not mean “the boss tells the employee what to do.” An work environment with “good communication” is not one where all the information goes in one direction. There’s more to management than telling people what to do. Management requires listening, enabling and supporting effective behaviors.

It’s a shame that so many employers are still interacting with their employees as if their is no relationship needed, no communication allowed, and no other way to measure productivity other than a time sheet. It’s also a shame that so much creativity and production and entrepreneurship within the work place is squandered in an attempt to look busy rather than actually being busy.

Their are a lot of managers and bosses out their who should hear your message and get help quickly so they can stop micromanaging and start allowing their employees to be uber productive without their watchful eye always present, accounting for every spare minute, even those spent in the restroom.

Great post!
Parke