Tue, July 20, 2010 - 11:35:27

Fear Tactics Don’t Work at Work

This week on Business Week’s website, Liz Ryan lists 10 signs that you might be working in a fear-based environment—and, as you might have imagined her article really got us thinking. Although many managers still use this age-old tactic as a means to motivate their workforce, nearly every sign Ryan describes has the opposite effect. Instead of making employees work more efficiently, they become less effective and instead of productive, they become paralyzed.

British journalist Russell H. Ewing famously wrote, “A boss creates fear, a leader confidence.” But, unfortunately, “bossing” is practiced far too often. Fear-based work environments are often overrun with gossip, rumors, and a “Me vs. You” mentality and it can all be traced to several tell-tale signs of the fear-based office: secrecy, distrust, and lack of communication.

The problem with a fear-based workplace isn’t just that it inhibits people from performing at their best or that it’s the last place employees want to spend their time; it’s that it creates a relentless cycle of negativity. When NICE is practiced at an organizational level by true leaders, it fosters trust, communication, and honesty—and countless studies have documented that it results in heightened creativity, happier employees, and increased productivity. Repeated on a day-to-day basis, these positive actions build upon one another, allowing both employees and businesses to thrive.

On the other hand, fear begets more fear. When negative seeds are planted at work by “bossy” fear tactics, they can quickly overtake a vulnerable staff—particularly during shaky economic times. Collaboration stops, communication halts, and employees become suspect of each other’s motives. Instead of working together toward the common goal of strengthening the company, it becomes “every man for himself.”

So, although for some managers intimidation may seem like the easiest and most effective way to oversee a staff, it’s no way to lead. It’s true: using fear as a tool can accomplish some things: employees will always tell you what you want to hear and no one will question your decisions. But, will that help you build a lasting and successful business? A “boss” might think so, but a real leader will tell you otherwise.

Posted by Linda and Robin