Greetings, Frustrated in Denver
It was good to hear from you. Your message really hit the spot on a problem that is widespread, almost universal.
As head of corporate worldwide communications–internal and external–for several corporations and a Cabinet officer in the Federal government I fought an uphill battle to keep open the lines of two-way communications. Very few people deny that good communications are essential to success for individuals and organizations, but when it comes to follow through it is like pulling hens’ teeth.
The only answer I know is to keep pushing for information. Start by getting your boss to agree on goals you are to work toward and ways your progress will be measured and rewarded. Preach the gospel of open communications at every opportunity.
But when you’ve had your say and the doors still don’t open you have to fall back and try again another day.
If after repeated efforts you don’t make significant progress you should take action to find a better place where a healthier communications environment does exist.
You have to remember that only mushrooms grow in dark places covered with BS.
Let’s hear more on this subject from other subscribers.
Ramon
When our bosses don’t communicate with us, it can only mean they don’t think we are smart enough to handle the information intelligently. Or maybe they are too lazy to make the effort. Or they’ve got something to hide.
The bosses are the losers, because I would work harder and I could a lot better job if I knew what was going on.
Billie Robinson
Communications is a on and off deal with our top guys. Periodically, they will start an employee communications program. But still they are not willing to share information about how the company is doing financially, especially if results are good. But when there is a fall off in business we hear a lot about cutting expenses and why pay raises will be small if at all.
I’d like to hear from others who are in the same kind of situation. What are you doing about it?
WTC
Ramon…I’m in pretty much the same situation at Frustrated in Denver. The company I work for is privately held and probably does between $30 and $40 million. The founder who is still running it is tight as a tick and doesn’t share anything with those less than his right hand men, including big raises and bonus’. My question is how long do I give this situation? I can push for open communication and work with my boss on goals and rewards but I am probably not going to get very far. Should I give it the rest of the year to see if miracles do happen or should I polish up my resume? Thanks for you help and I enjoy your advice columns!
Desperate In Denver
My blood pressure is up several points.
First, I read the current issue of The Career Accelerator (Lack Of Communications Frustrates Everyone) in which was noted that the average pay increase for CEO’s last year was 30.
Then I turned to the day’s issue of The New York Times which carries a column headed “Big Bonuses Still Flow, Even If Bosses Miss Goals.”
The writer goes on to explain that often goals are lowered and bonuses are paid even when a company’s performance falls. “It is the equivalent of moving the goalposts to shorten the field,” compensation experts say.
“Lowering the hurdles is especially disconcerting because often the goals are not set all that high to begin with,” according to a Harvard Law School professor.
Some employment agreements actually stipulate that they will provide bonuses even if company performance declines.
I would be the last one to favor government regulating the pay of employees in private companies; but come on now, give me a break. If corporations don’t wise up the public will demand curtailing pay packages.
Ben