As we’re out and about (nearly everywhere we go), we like to ask those around us how they’re doing. We’re Human Resources consultants, and people are one of our primary businesses; so asking people how they’re doing is both interesting and important to us.
We hear a variety of answers. Some respond with the traditional, “Fine“. (You know, we’re somehow obligated to say, “Fine”. It’s the safe thing to do.) Some respond with, “Okay“, but even when the answer is, “Okay”, they often follow up with something that is making life, family and/or work difficult.
The other day a young man shared he had quit his job. I asked, “Why,” and he spent the next 45 minutes sharing his story. Right out of college he had begun working, and things were going well; but, as time passed, things began to unravel. What had initially seemed like such a great job had turned into a nightmare. I asked what his manager was doing to help. “That’s part of the problem, I can’t do anything right, and every day I hear about it. I felt so discouraged. I lost hope. I’m burned out and have no place to go.”
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this story recently — so many times that I have it memorized.
Here’s a note to managers: According to Florida state university, research still indicates that the highest rate of turnover is caused by management. (https://smallbusiness.chron.com/bully-management-style-35804.html)
What could have helped this young man? There is a verse in Isaiah 35 that tells the reader to encourage the exhausted. Everyone gets tired and out of focus — everyone! Managers might have better results by intentionally using words of encouragement rather than just correction. Place it on your “to do” list: “Encourage the exhausted.”
-Bob
Now, if you’re an in-charge person who is tired, out of focus, discouraged or losing hope, please reach out to Executive Advantage. If you know Bob (Scribner), you know he is gifted in encouraging the exhausted! /D