Does your advice to your employees often fall on deaf ears? This can be a frustrating part of being a manager. As a manager, you are probably interested in the well-being and performance of your employees. Unfortunately, their motivations are in different areas than yours. If you want to have your employees stop ignoring you then you need to speak their language. Here’s how to get your employees to stop ignoring your advice and start listening more often.

Be consistent with your messaging.

If you want people to listen to you, then you must speak clearly and consistently about things. Managers who are wishy washy about the way they say things are viewed as not trustworthy and lacking confidence. When offering advice, sharing with subordinates, or leading others – be sure that your message is consistent.

Use different forms of communication.

No two people communicate the same way. This is especially true now that so many generations are working together in most businesses. Millennials have a different way of seeing the world and communicating than Baby Boomers. Honor this and use different communication formats, from email and videos to live presentations and one-on-one meetings.

If you want respect, give some.

One of the reasons why employees may not be demonstrating respect to you as a manager is because they are not feeling it from you. The old adage “give respect to get respect” is very true in the workplace too. Make it a point to respect your employees and show them each day that they matter.

Give advice and guidance when it’s wanted.

Unwarranted advice is something that very few people care for, particularly when it comes to dealing with their manager. People are adults and deserve to be treated with respect on the job. Choose the right opportunity to give advice when it’s asked for and guidance where it’s appreciated.

Lift people up, don’t tear them down.

No manager deserves respect for being an overbearing bully. Managers instead are there to lift others up to be their very best, not to tear people down. Be sure you are avoiding the latter when you interact with employees. Be mindful of encouraging people when offering advice.

About Staffing Resources

Staffing Resources, established in 1985, is a privately held Atlanta-based corporation and a certified Female Business Enterprise. We provide a wide range of full- and part-time employees to businesses, associations, government and non-profit organizations in the metro Atlanta area.