As leaders, we often assume our teams are doing just fine—but are they really? A shocking stat from SHRM reveals that 89% of managers think their teams are thriving, while only 24% of employees say the same. That’s a huge disconnect! In this episode of Managing Made Simple, I break down why this gap exists and what we can do to fix it.
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Why the Disconnect?
It’s easy to assume things are fine, especially when no one is directly telling you otherwise. But that silence can be misleading. When team members don’t feel heard or supported, they might not speak up—and that’s where the trouble begins. High turnover, burnout, and productivity dips can creep in, even if you think everything’s okay.
Step 1: Check In Regularly
If you haven’t had a real conversation with your team members recently, it’s time to check in. But not just about project updates—ask them how they’re really doing. A casual, honest conversation can go a long way in uncovering how they’re feeling about their workload, the team dynamic, or their personal wellbeing.
Step 2: Ask the Right Questions
When your team members say they’re overwhelmed or unmotivated, don’t assume you know the answer. Instead, ask them what that means to them. Do they need less work or more variety? Are they struggling with something personal? By asking these questions, you can uncover what they really need—and start addressing it the right way.
Step 3: Prevent Burnout
Ignoring these warning signs can lead to expensive turnover or long-term drops in productivity. By having honest conversations now, you can address small issues before they become big problems. And remember, listening goes a long way. Even if you can’t fix everything right away, showing your team you care makes a big difference.
Closing the gap between what we think and how our teams are truly feeling is key to preventing burnout and turnover—and to keeping everyone productive and engaged. Ready to make sure your team is thriving? Let’s get started.
