July 23, 2024
lindsay@westmorelandchamber.com
The Impact of Abrasive Bosses on Employees' Emotional Well-being: 4 Things Executive Leaders Need to Know
by Bonnie Artman Fox
Addressing the abrasive behavior of top-performing talent often takes a backseat.
As an executive leader, the complexity of balancing outstanding results with a harmonious work environment can leave you wondering “Do I prioritize operational excellence over interpersonal harmony?”
To give perspective how abrasive bosses’ behavior impacts employee’s emotional well-being, here are four key insights that every executive leader should know.
1. Decreased Ability to Be Productive
"Why is this project still not finished? Do I have to do everything myself around here?"
Abrasive behaviors such as yelling, condescending comments, and micromanaging severely impact an employee's ability to function optimally. When employees are subjected to these behaviors, the executive functioning of their brains is compromised, hindering their capacity for critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving.
This not only reduces individual productivity, it also affects the overall performance of the team.
2. Toll on Physical Health
"That's not my problem. If you can't handle the job, maybe you should find another one."
Constant stress from working under an abrasive boss significantly affects employees' physical health. The perpetual state of fight/flight/freeze contributes to sleep disturbances, digestive problems, and heightened anxiety.
Over time, these physical health problems can result in increased absenteeism and decreased work performance, further exacerbating workplace challenges.
3. Decreased Self-Confidence
"Trying isn't good enough. I need results, not excuses."
When employees are continuously degraded, they begin to doubt their abilities and self-worth. This erosion of self-confidence affects their ability to advocate for themselves and hinders their career progression.
Employees may become less likely to take initiative, share innovative ideas, or seek out new opportunities, which stifles both personal and organizational growth.
4. Increased Workplace Tension and Toxicity
"I've had enough of your incompetence. If you can't keep up, I'll find someone who can."
Abrasive behavior from leaders often sets a negative example, leading employees to mimic these behaviors. When derogatory comments pervade, the groundwork is set for a toxic work environment to become engrained in the work culture.
Employees may start taking out their frustrations on one another, further degrading team cohesion and morale. This cycle of negativity significantly impacts the overall health of the organization and takes a conscious effort to break.
Recognizing the impact of abrasive leadership behavior on employee’s well-being is the first step toward creating a healthier and more productive work environment.
As an executive leader, you have the power to transform your workplace culture by courageously holding employees accountable for respectful and professional behaviors.
Many executives tell me how frustrated they are about a top-performing leader’s abrasive behavior and yet aren't sure what to do about it.
Like them, you may be worried about losing valuable employees who can't perform at their best because of how they’re being treated and, at the same time, you don’t want to lose the revenue generated by your top performer’s talent.
Make the conscious choice to prioritize the well-being of your employees.
| Book a complimentary call with me to learn about my proven blueprint for helping your top performers turn around abrasive behavior and transform your workplace. I specialize in helping executive leaders like you navigate the complexities of abrasive top performers, ensuring a respectful and productive work environment for all. |
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