A “one size fits all” approach in management style doesn’t work any better than it does with clothes.

Every year, the International Coach Federation surveys businesses and organizations about various subjects and issues being faced by individuals and companies.  Last year the world’s largest coaching association asked a few questions which I think are relevant for readers of this blog. I set them out today.

There are common needs which, when sampled, most individuals will say are important to them when asked what they want in any relationship.  In order, our association’s research found them to be:

  1. Feeling that I am trusted
  2. Feeling challenged, feeling like I am growing
  3. Feeling good about myself
  4. Feeling competent and skilled
  5. Being appreciated for who I am and what I do
  6. Feeling excited about what I am doing or what is going on
  7. Feeling involved in activities that matter to me.

These needs cut across all the demographic markers in the sample and are hardly surprising.  However, when asked about relationships on the job, the most commonly stated needs sugared down a bit more.  These are worth noting:

 

Both genders indicated common needs in relationships with managers: 

1. Honesty and Integrity,
2. Fairness,
3. Discretion,
4. Respect,
5. Professionalism.  (Responder Group was 57% women.) 

More interesting was the prioritization of the demographic markers. Here are the results of 2 of those markers:

Gender Marker: 

Women –

1. Courtesy and Consideration,
2. Feeling Valued and Respected,
3. Rewards and Recognition,
4. Respecting Their Space

Men –

1. Loyalty,
2. Shared Values,
3. Friendship/Companionship/Shared Interests,
4. Unconditional Acceptance and Availability

Spirituality Marker:

Because spirituality-grounded emotions are among the most powerful and behavior shaping, the extent to which they can impact how a manager interacts with subordinates is worth being aware of:

 Spiritual People Had Greater Needs for –

1. Forgiveness
2. Love and Emotional Support
3. Courtesy
4. Valued and Accepted Unconditionally
5. Trusting of Others
6. Dependability and Reliability

 Non-Spiritual People Had Greater Needs for –

1. Shared Values
2. Trust, Honesty, Integrity, Strong Work Ethic
3. Loyalty and Unconditional Acceptance
4. Compassion and Respect
5. Interesting Conversation / Good Sense of Humor    (Responder Group self identified themselves as being 46% religious or spiritual, 38% somewhat religious or spiritual, 16% not religious or spiritual.)

Great leaders know that treating everyone as an individual, and an important one, is worth the work.  Poor or lazy leaders get the results they deserve when they try to use the same approach for everyone.

–          till next time         

         john

    Career Coach