Maintaining a genuine respect for and a cooperative relationship with people in authority in the workplace often comes with effective management of staff. Good managers and supervisors listen more than they talk and ask questions more often than they give orders. Building strong working relationships and knowing how to get along well with employees can have a significant impact on motivation, enthusiasm, commitment and performance levels in the workplace.
People with a cognitive impairment such as autism spectrum disorder or a psychiatric condition such as borderline personality disorder are more likely to experience difficulty relating to people in general and may find it particularly difficult to establish a good working relationship with people in authority. Dealing with workers with interpersonal deficits can be challenging for managers, although strategies and support are available. It is also important to recognise and respect that people have the right not to change their behaviour, even when they are made aware of the possible consequences of fostering a poor relationship with management
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are a number of strategies and support services available to assist managers and supervisors develop better working relationships with staff:
On-the-job Effective Management Strategies
- encourage open communication, feedback and active listening skills in the workplace - acknowledging an employee’s concerns and reflecting back to them how they must feel about the situation can increase rapport between managers and workers (effective communication skills training for managers and supervisors may be useful)
- ensure the provision of effective conflict-resolution mechanisms in the workplace and foster a co-operative approach to problem solving between management and workers:
- role play or demonstrate to workers more appropriate responses during interactions with those in authority such as not blaming management, but focusing on the specific problem and using “I feel” statements, then allow the worker the opportunity to practice for themselves, providing appropriate feedback (appointing a mentor or “buddy” for this purpose maybe useful)
- praise a positive change in behaviour which can be as easy as a simple 'well done', showing gratitude for a change in response to management or offer rewards for positive behaviour changes in order to maintain motivation levels.
On-the job Strategies for Employees to create a healthy relationship with persons of authority at work:
- if concerned about something in the workplace, go through the appropriate channels to have this addressed
- use manners and language appropriate to the workplace
- be punctual and if unable to come to work or will be late, contact your supervisor to advise
- develop a positive working relationship with your immediate supervisor by determining how they best like to work and communicate
- aim to always do what you have said you will do or if not, advise accordingly to develop a sense of trust
- always maintain appropriate confidentiality to your role
- recognise that although you may not always get on or agree with persons in authority within the workplace, a working relationship can be established with mutual respect.
(Kotelnikov (no date specified); Brain Injury Association of Queensland 2007; Heathfield 2009; Rey 2009)
Support Services
A trained psychologist or counsellor may be able to assist managers and or supervisors or workers themselves with the development of more effective communication skills.
Relevant support is available via the following links:
References
Kotelnikov, V. (no date specified), Building Successful Relationships, Ten3 Business e-Coach, San Diego, viewed 5 June 2009, <http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/relationships_main.html>.
Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2007, Social Skills Deficits – Fact Sheet, Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc., Brisbane, viewed 5 June 2009, <http://braininjury.org.au/portal/psychological/social-skills-deficits---fact-sheet.html>.
Rey, F.J. 2009, Dealing with Difficult Employees, About.com as part of The New York Times Company, New York, viewed 5 June 2009, <http://management.about.com/od/employeemotivation/a/DifficultEE0605.htm>.
Heathfield, S.M. 2009, How to Get Along With Your Boss, About.com as part of The New York Times Company, New York, viewed 5 June 2009, <http://humanresources.about.com/od/workrelationships/a/boss_relations.htm>.