Spoiler alert: A manager’s ability to handle stress is a key factor in team performance

A new study gives hard numbers on just how poorly a “hot-headed” manager can affect the performance of their team as a whole and individually.

As business leaders search high and low for new ways to increase healthy office culture, loyalty, and productivity, studies show they may be missing a pretty basic one: how their managers respond to stress.

Spoiler alert: A manager’s ability to handle stress is a key factor in team performance

A new study by leadership training company VitalSmarts found that 1 in 3 managers can’t handle the heat, and their ineptitude is affecting team performance in a variety of ways.

Productivity doctor recommends taking a chill pill

Anger is never the answer — and according to the study, managers who get angry or withdrawn when the going gets tough hurt team morale, cause missed deadlines, and decrease the quality of work.

A spicy manager can also have a negative effect on individuals over managers who remain calm, cool, and collected when sh*t hits the fan.The report found that individuals on teams led by loose-canagers are:

  • 62% more likely to consider leaving their job.
  • 56% more likely to shut down and stop participating
  • 49% less likely to go above and beyond
  • 47% more likely to be frustrated and angry

This study may seem like it was conducted by Professor Obvious…

But, as the study shows, 53% of managers are more closed-minded and controlling than open and curious, and 45% are more upset and emotional than calm and in control.

In other words, a kind reminder never hurts.

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