Things You Should Never Say To Your Employees

Over my 15 years in higher education, I have experienced supervisors and "leaders" saying and doing downright awful things either directly to me or others. True leaders understand that words matter, the tone in which those words are spoken matters, and actions matter.

From my experience, here are some things you should never say or do to your employees:

1. I'm the director and you're not.

2. You have your marching orders. Just go and do it.

3. Why can't they just do what I say?

4. Cut off an employee from speaking.

5. Get upset and lash out when an employee sets personal boundaries.

All of these things are blatantly disrespectful to the employee. The first item was said directly to me early on in my career. I have never forgotten those words. I wish I would have said, "Is your ego that fragile that you need to say something like that? So what? Being the director doesn't mean you're always right." Of course, hindsight is always 20/20. In the case of the 2nd item, unless you're in the military, this is completely inappropriate. Communicating something like this to your employees indicates that they just need to put their heads down, do the work, and never question those in authority, even when there is a valid reason for speaking up. I acknowledge that there are times when pulling rank is necessary; however, how it is conveyed will be remembered more than the task that should be completed. The cliché saying is very true: "People may not remember what you said or did, but they will always remember how you made them feel." The impact of your words and actions, whether in a leadership position or not, can be felt long after the words are spoken and done. Speak to your employees in a respectful manner. Choose your words carefully. Model true leadership principles. Your employees are watching.