Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Hands-On ... - always yours

72 LEADING WITH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
WHAT IS A DEBILITATING BOSS?
A Debilitating Boss is a boss who makes his or her employees
feel ineffective, inadequate, weak, lacking confidence, confused,
and generally under-performing. Often unknowingly, these bosses
suck the passion, soul, and energy right out of you by being negative,
critical, and confusing. Instead of using your creativity and
effort for superior performance, you ruminate about the injustices
and unfair treatment at the hands of your boss. These stories of
grievances, inequity, and negative emotions spread, expand, and
lead to a toxic environment. Any commitment, dedication, or loyalty
is wiped out by the Debilitating Boss.
In a study, 40% of employees who rated their bosses as poor said
they were likely to leave. 89 Clearly, Debilitating Bosses leave a trail
of disheartened, disgruntled, and disengaged workers behind them.
DISENGAGED WORKERS AND THEIR COSTS
The number one reason most Americans leave their jobs is
they don’t feel appreciated at work, predominantly by their bosses.
The Saratoga Institute reports that 50% of work-life satisfaction is
determined by the relationships workers have with their bosses. 90
In a survey of 4 million workers, the Gallup Poll found that 65% of
Americans received absolutely no recognition for good work in their
last year. The poll also found that 55% are not engaged (i.e., are just
putting in time) and 19% of workers are actively disengaged
(i.e., unhappy and spreading their discontent or being Debilitating
to others). That totals approximately 22 million workers who are:
1) less productive and loyal, 2) more stressed-out, 3) missing more
days of work, and 4) less satisfied with their personal lives. The
cost to the United States is about $370 billion annually in economic
performance. 91 This is an underestimation because it doesn’t take
into account absences, illness, and other problems that result from
disengagement and bad leadership. 92