Most Workers Say Bosses Are Setting Good Example

Despite what they occasionally may say under their breath, most employees feel their bosses set a good example around the office, a new study finds.

Research from The Workforce Institute at Kronos Incorporated discovered that close to 70 percent of U.S. workers think their managers set a good example in the way they behave, believing they are ethical, honest, collaborative, creative, empowering, innovative, dedicated and trustworthy.

"The results of this survey shatter the stereotype of the clownish boss made popular by countless sitcoms and movies," said David Creelman, CEO of Creelman Research. "An overwhelming majority of employees are actually saying quite the opposite: They believe their managers set a good example with their behavior and adhere to values that are important in a healthy corporate culture."

Given the choice, the vast majority of employees prefer a leader that is more demanding than nice. Three-quarters of those surveyed would rather work for a boss that is a high achiever but demanding rather than someone who is nice but ineffective.

Additionally, more than 60 percent of workers would rather report to a manger who invests in their professional development over one who invests in programs to make the work environment more fun.

"Employees are saying they don't need their boss to be their best friend; rather, it's important to them that they are able to work effectively, be challenged and grow," said Sharlyn Lauby, president of ITM Group Inc.

Overall, employees view being honest, goal-oriented and compassionate as the three most important qualities for any manager.

While millennials are often lauded for changing how things are done in the workplace, the research shows they actually aren't much different from their older peers. Their preference for individual recognition, investment in professional development and high-achieving but demanding managers are the same as previous generations within the workforce.

"Significant shifts are clearly underway, but this research reveals workers who are earlier in their career don't differ significantly from other generations in how they want to be managed and motivated by their boss," said Joyce Maroney, director of The Workforce Institute.

While the study highlighted a lot of positives among bosses, there are some things employees could do without. More than 75 percent of those surveyed find business jargon terribly annoying. Phrases they prefer to never hear again include "think outside the box," "I don’t care how, just get it done" and "It's on my radar."

The study was based on surveys of more than 800 full- or part-time U.S. employees.

Originally published on BusinessNewsDaily.