As a manager, you're often playing a guessing game. You're asking yourself questions like: What are my people really thinking? Why did they just do what they did? Do they really understand what I meant to convey? It can all feel like a big secret to you.
What if you could see the secret thoughts of your team? You could learn a lot. You might even become a better manager.
Lucky for us, we live in a world now that has Secret. Secret is an app where people can anonymously share what's on their mind. Sometimes it's simple daydreamed thoughts, other times it can be lewd or crude (and very NSFW), but other times it's a peek into the minds of being a modern employee.
What Managers Can Learn from Secret
You can learn a lot from the unfiltered thoughts of others. Here's a few lessons for us managers and a peek into those thoughts.
(Warning: Clicking the images will take you to those secrets and all their comments, which may include foul language, offensive comments, and trolling.)
Lesson #1: Employees talk...more than you think
Don't underestimate how much people will value the right to tell others what it was like at your company
Word will spread fast if your culture is toxic
Silver Lining: They'll talk if they're really happy, too
Just like happy customers refer people and bad customers hurt sales, your employees represent you to the outside world. What would your team say about you?
Lesson #2:Â Praise really makes people feel good!
Don't assume people hear it enough.
A lack of praise is felt deeply
Some great people doubt their abilities.
You can change that.
Give honest praise.
You might just make someone's year
Praise your team more so they know they're appreciated for their hard work and skills. And if you want to give more good praise to your team, take the time to learn how to give effective praise.
Lesson #3: Doing the right things as a manager feels great for you and them
There are few things more powerful.
One-on-ones can be scary and a little awkward at first, but they have a huge impact
The single best thing you can do as a manager is have great one-on-ones: talk about what's bothering them, give them good feedback and praise, and help them grow. If you're looking for help with all that, give Lighthouse a try.
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What you don't see may still be happening. Before there was Secret, there were conversations at the bar, rumors amongst loose ties, and tech gossip. If you don't want to be the next bad Secret, consider what you can do to be a better manager.
