Dear FakeMike, I'm the manager of a small-size IT company and I'm thorn between having an open door policy where my employees know pretty much all about the business, or a Kremlin-type position where secrecy is king and I keep everything to myself. What would you advise? Gordon from AL.If you're a manager, you already know the pain of having employees report to you. It ain't easy, you'd wish adults would behave like ones, but a fair part of being on top is having to deal with all the childish behavior going on.
If you are completely transparent with your company's activities, some employees will feel empowered and may generate higher revenues for you. That's the Hollywood scenario, and yes sometimes dreams do come true. But the stark reality facing our doors is that employees won't do more with more knowledge, they just want to punch 40 hours and go home. Sure, they'll ask you a bunch of questions about the business, but the goal behind this is to ask for higher raise. The business had a earning increase of 20%? Well, they'll say, isn't that insulting that you're proposing me 2.5%, maybe it's time I go work for the guy across the street.
Being transparent doesn't add value to your business, the less your employees know about your balance sheet, the better they'll feel. Don't bring your Mercedes at work, this might tip your employees that business is good. Rent a cheap car, or better yet, buy a rusty old one with no personality like a Chevy Cavalier or better yet a Ford Tempo. Your employees will feel pity for you, and that's good. They'll work double shift.
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