For a leader, this is REALLY important. If people think “the man” is a jerk, cheap, doesn’t care, is not trying, etc., whether it is true or not doesn’t matter. If they feel negatively about their leader, they will not give their best.
In fact they could back off performance by 10%, 25% or even 50%! You can’t get engagement and peak performance from people if you are viewed poorly. And remember, people don’t SAY what they feel for fear of being fired.
Is it time to communicate more, take people to lunch and talk to them, empower them, take an interest in them, or ask for their opinion and ideas?
Every day that I am still on the right side of the daisies is a great day. And the day I’m on the other side of the daisies, I’m going to be thankful for all the days I wasn’t!