A recent study, conducted by the University of Duke (I know fellow UNC fans but please continue reading - this is good stuff), concluded that an unconscious memory of a controlling person stimulates a
negative behavioral reaction. Participants in the study were flashed the name of a boss, parent, or significant other, whom they perceived as controlling and who wanted them to work hard. The research showed that the productivity of these subjects dipped off when they were exposed to these names, even if they didn't intend to.
As the study points out, this illustrates our human nature to be free and independent. The workplace is no different but the intriguing part to me is that this happens on a subliminal level. Of course we realize that employees want to be valued and trusted, not oppressed. However, if your managerial style is to control every detail of your group, your staff could unconsciously react negatively to your assignments and you will not have their full support.
The key takeaway for managers is to balance this need for freedom with accountability. When you ask your direct reports to perform a task, make sure you do so in a way that doesn't infringe or make them feel backed into a corner. Be direct and make sure deadlines are understood but seek their opinion and make sure they also believe your requests are reasonable. Also, don't be know-it-all. If your employees are afraid of you they will bottle up and not be willing to voice their opinions. Sincerely ask for their feedback, who knows, maybe they might have good ideas also ;).
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