Your business has grown in a short time and the family team has transformed into several teams that carry out numerous activities. Hierarchical relationships are in complete disarray and you feel that you have to take on a new dimension.
When a company evolves and suddenly has a large number of employees, it can no longer be managed in the same way. If some employees will appreciate the contribution of new employees, a real breath of fresh air, others will experience the changes with pain. Indeed, you have to introduce new procedures that will be considered straitjacket for the old.
As a manager, creating a good work atmosphere may seem beneficial. However, relationships that are too loose or poorly managed with your employees quickly generate conflict and end up breaking hierarchical relationships. So what do you need to do to turn this professional relationship around and reclaim your position as a manager in your company?
Announce the “changes” to your employees
If you intend to restore hierarchical relationships within your company, do not do so implicitly. In other words, instead of letting your employees think about your sudden change, announce it and give the main reason: to achieve the set goals and avoid unnecessary waste of time.
It is clear that this is not about accusing them and implying that they are responsible for the deterioration of the relationship. But announce concrete changes:
- Give more responsibility to the manager so that he or she is the real interface. This will allow you to take a step back and analyze situations with greater clarity.
- Explain that requests or questions must go through the manager except of course in cases of extreme urgency or the manager’s absence.
- Remind yourself that breaks can’t last forever and carefully explain your new organization.
Manage requests sent to you
If you feel that the hierarchical bonds within your company are broken, you’ve probably experienced countless moments of disconnection. Your employees can come to your office at any time of the day. So, know that when someone unexpectedly comes to see you, you must:
- Don’t suddenly stop what you’re doing. Finish writing an email, making a phone call, or reading a report. If it takes longer than expected, ask the employee to come back later.
- Always remember that you cannot be everywhere and that you are the conductor.
Clearly ask the person interrupting you to arrange a meeting or to contact their manager if the matter is urgent. - Don’t apologize, but keep your tone polite and respectful. If your employees are used to a different attitude, they will initially feel uncomfortable, but over time they will get used to it and understand that the development of the company imposes new rules.
Set the rules and stick to them
If the hierarchical relationships in your company eventually fell apart, it is because you are certainly not able to be rigorous with yourself as a manager. If you say that a particular file must be completed by the 25th of the month, under no circumstances should you tolerate an overrun. To do this, you need to establish re-planning and inquire about progress as you go.
Punctuality and attendance must also be respected. Give this task to the manager, but let him know that from now on you will not tolerate any deviations and that he must take responsibility for the organization
It is about empowering them. Each of them (including you) must understand their role and position within the company and what duties that entails. If hierarchical bonds begin to weaken, control must be quickly restored. Just consider introducing new rules gradually so as not to upset the pre-established balance of your business.