9 Ways Bad Managers Make Good Employees Quit

Given that it’s so hard to find good employees, you’d think that most companies would pull out all the stops to keep them happy. Sadly, this doesn’t seem to be the case.

Writing on the website Talentsmart, author and emotional intelligence expert Dr. Travis Bradberry points out that in most cases people aren’t leaving their jobs, they’re leaving their managers. But this doesn’t have to happen. Bradberry says that some simple changes can help companies retain good employees.

Here are nine things managers do that cause people to look for a better job elsewhere. If any (or all) of these apply to your job, it might be an idea to share this gallery with your boss. Anonymously, of course!

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1. They Overwork People

Being a good employee can mean long hours if your employer takes advantage of your professionalism. Bradberry says that this can make employees feel like they're being punished for doing a good job. Research shows productivity drops after 50 hours/week. Bradberry suggests keeping good workers happy with raises, promotions and title-changes.

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2. They Don’t Recognize or Reward Good Work

Everyone loves to be rewarded for a job well done, whether monetarily or with recognition. Bradberry says managers need to find out what makes employees feel good and then reward them for their efforts.

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3. They Don’t Care About Employees

According to Bradberry, more than 50% of people leave their jobs because of their boss. The best managers are both professional and human. They recognize success, show empathy and constantly challenge workers. Uncaring bosses will always lose good employees.

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4. They Don’t Honour Their Commitments

Promises are important, writes Bradberry. "When you uphold a commitment, you grow in the eyes of your employees because you prove yourself to be trustworthy and honourable (two very important qualities in a boss)."

But fail to follow through on those promises, and you'll lose respect and eventually, good people.

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5. They Hire and Promote the Wrong People

There's nothing more frustrating as an employee than seeing the wrong people hired and promoted. Bradberry explains that good employees want to work with people like themselves. When a poor employee is added to the mix, even good workers lose motivation. And promoting the wrong people is often seen as a huge insult, he says.

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6. They Don’t Let People Pursue Their Passions

Poor managers think productivity will drop if employees pursue their passions. But keeping talented employees in a box is a big mistake, Bradberry says.

"This fear is unfounded. Studies show that people who are able to pursue their passions at work experience flow, a euphoric state of mind that is five times more productive than the norm."

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7. They Fail to Develop People’s Skills

Good managers pay attention to their workers and help them grow. Bradberry says that it's up to the manager to help good employees improve and expand their skills. If a talented worker isn't challenged, they'll grow bored and eventually seek greener pastures.

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8. They Fail to Engage Their Creativity

"The most talented employees seek to improve everything they touch," writes Bradberry. Taking this way from them will make these employees frustrated to the point of leaving.

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9. They Fail To Challenge People Intellectually

Bradberry says that great managers challenge their workers to do great things. Goals that push people out of their comfort zone can pay off exponentially. The role of a good manager, he says, is to do everything in their power to help employees succeed. Otherwise, people get bored and will be look for something more challenging.

The takeaway? Good managers make people want to work for them.

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