One Opinion
Somewhat...
to empathize with someone by recognizing that there is a problem is one thing, but to build a relationship is a step I'd prefer to really not have, mainly because as being a manager of employees enables me to judge them on their work performance as opposed to whether or not I'd like to have them as a 'friend' is not the purpose of my job.
I'm paid to provide leadership, guidance and training as need be to the employees to make sure they are doing correctly what they are getting paid for...that's why they and I were hired in the first place.
If I spent my time going around giving them a cup of coffee/donut in the a.m. and a glass of iced tea in the p.m. isn't making them a happier person for the company in the long run.
Their self worth was established before they stepped through the front door for their interview. I can only enhance that by giving them atta boys through leadership, guidance and training when they need it. As long as employees have a perfect understanding of what in fact they're supposed to be doing "up front", and have the additional training to maintain
their position, then typically that employee will provide back to the company all that they thought they could give in the first place.
Now, if that employee is doing something incorrect it's up to his/her immediate supervisor to convey to them asap instructions/corrections at the time the error is happening...you don't wait until the end of day. My subordinate supervisors know exactly what they are supposed to do under those circumstances because I've made it clear to them that's the way it should be done, the same as my superiors tell me what change they want from me.
There is typically a training period for "all of this info" to be given our to the new employees for their benefit. I make it clear that the training period be handled in a professional manner so that the employees know what's expected of them and if they seem to be a person who has problems with people giving them direction, then it's sorted out "before" it becomes a real problem. Normally there are employee/manager discussions held in an open forum to
provide each with a way of letting steam off, if need be, or to engage management about whatever it is that is bothering them or to suggest improvements as need be.
You will have "happier employees" when they are kept abreast of technologies that will help them do their jobs better...that's the feedback I receive. Everyone has their own technique of handling employees and each one is an entity unto themselves and as such handled differently, but to me the Manager has to be aloof and not in a relationship at work that is more than what is expected between management and worker with all things in their appropriate place.
But that's just me...
