Dealing with Unreasonable Demands in the Workplace
A woman at her desk feeling overwhelmed by pressure in her workplace and a lack of support.
In today's fast-paced work environment, talented and intelligent people strive to give their best. However, there is a persistent misconception that employees should be ready to go once hired, seamlessly adapting to constant changes and evolving expectations. This misconception not only undermines their efforts but also leads to burnout and frustration.
The Misconception of Plug-and-Play
Employees need time to learn systems and adapt to changes. Constantly shifting targets and expectations can make it feel like taking two steps forward and ten steps back. One minute you think you’ve mastered something, and the next, you’re being told it’s wrong. This inconsistency is exhausting and demoralizing, leaving employees feeling like they’re in a never-ending cycle of failure and correction.
Real complaints from a company illustrate this point vividly:
Changing Systems: "We have to learn systems and we can’t do that if they are constantly changing."
Moving Targets: "The target was constantly moving and I couldn’t keep up…."
Micromanagement: "I’m constantly being spoken down to."
These frustrations are common among employees who are just plain tired and exhausted from unreasonable behavior from their managers.
Why Managers Behave This Way
Understanding the reasons behind such behavior is crucial:
High Expectations: CEOs often have high expectations and believe that constant pressure leads to better performance.
Lack of Empathy: Some leaders may lack empathy or fail to understand the impact of their demands on employees.
Poor Communication: Miscommunication or unclear expectations can create confusion and frustration.
Micromanagement: A tendency to micromanage can stem from a lack of trust in the team’s abilities.
Overcoming Unreasonable Expectations as an Employee
Clear Communication: Speak up about your concerns. Clear, honest communication can help address misunderstandings.
Set Boundaries: Establish and maintain boundaries to manage your workload and prevent burnout.
Seek Support: Find allies within the organization who can provide support and advocate for a more reasonable approach.
Document Everything: Keep records of your tasks, accomplishments, and communications to provide evidence of your efforts and progress.
Prioritize Self-Care: Ensure you take care of your mental and physical health, even if it means taking a step back to recharge.
Becoming a Better Manager
For Managers, understanding and implementing empathetic leadership can transform workplace dynamics and lead to a more productive and satisfied team. Here are some detailed steps and tips:
Practice Active Listening: Engage genuinely with your team by listening attentively. Ask follow-up questions and paraphrase to show understanding. Avoid jumping to conclusions or offering immediate solutions; instead, offer support and seek to understand the root of issues (Leaders.com) (EL Passion).
Communicate Transparently: Keep your team informed about decisions, changes, and the reasoning behind them. Transparency builds trust and prevents misunderstandings (Vistage).
Support and Empower: Show interest in your employees’ lives, validate their experiences, and provide the support they need. Empower them by delegating tasks and trusting their abilities (BetterUp).
Foster a Community: Create a sense of belonging and purpose within your team. Encourage collaboration and support among team members, and establish a culture of empathy and understanding (BetterUp).
Provide Quality Feedback: Offer constructive feedback that recognizes effort and guides improvement. Avoid dismissive or harsh criticism, and always explain the reasoning behind your feedback (EL Passion).
What You Might Want to Say vs. What You Should Say Instead
Conclusion: Becoming a Better Manager
To be a better Manager when your employees are burned out, focus on creating a supportive and stable work environment. Recognize the hard work of your team, set clear and consistent expectations, and foster open communication. By doing so, you not only improve morale and productivity but also build a loyal and motivated workforce.
