The office stalking manager/owner

Don’t most employees hate managers or owners who are constantly looking over their shoulder. The simple answer is yes, however office stalking can be a wonderful tool if used in the right way and at the right moments. Most people think when reading this that management is boorish, non-trusting and basically there to make you more productive.

I do think more productive is true while the other adjectives are not necessarily true. Let’s think about the job of the manager. That person’s job is to get the most out of his or her employees, ultimately making the company more successful. I have heard many times “my boss is great he or she is so nice”, or “I hate my boss he or she is so mean and always on my case” that is paraphrasing if you can imagine the real words for on my case.

Well I am here to tell you that office stalking by a manager can be a key part of that person’s job, however the motives for the activity should be in line with the company’s goals of being more productive. Office stalking serves many purposes. I will mention 3.

·       Being available to employees (internal customers) to help with any questions or any struggles with the work is a valuable tool. Many time an employee will struggle with a problem but won’t ask for help because they view that as a person weakness. A manager passing by a cubicle and asking how things are going and is there anything I can help you with can elicit a question an employee was afraid to ask. This will improve the employee’s productivity, attitude and overall opinion of the company. If a manager is inaccessible it slows productivity and hurts moral.

·       Many people expect to be scolded or pushed to finish a project when the boss comes rolling around. What happens when the boss stops by to ask about the employee’s family or a recent illness? This lets the employee know they are more than just their work product.

·       When tasks are completed by individuals or groups of employees on time or ahead of schedule, the boss should be providing positive feedback or “ataboys” to the group or individual is another positive aspect of stalking. If a report lands on a desk and is not acknowledged what are you telling the person who completed it? Nothing, which can translate into that’s your job or finally. These can be internal responses of the employee.

Can office stalking be a negative thing done using fear and intimidation to get performance, absolutely. Can office stalking be a positive experience for the employees and the company? Once again absolutely if done with the intent of fostering a better working environment, improving communication, and serving the company’s internal customers.

My last comment is that being available (stalking) improves employee retention as well which lowers invisible costs. Well these costs can be tracked in training expense at a minimum quarter over quarter. Isn’t mentoring in almost every job description. This is a form of mentoring as well as providing the company with a positive image.

If you’re a general manager or the boss in the office consider being a stalker.