When a manager's plans are put into action oftentimes one major factor is overlooked: The emotional life of a worker. Whereas some business owners prefer a left-brained, logical approach to running a productive enterprise, others lean toward an intuitive approach.It depends on the particular workplace, but many business owners tend to take a logical tact to managing their workforce, assuming their workers will concede to logic when a conflict occurs. Yet for those who've garnered a few years of experience in the real workplace, logic more often than not takes a back seat to an employee's feelings.Think about how many times we color a job description with emotion-laden language:Getting down to brass tacks. (Ouch - that does sound a bit painful!)Above board - (Do you wish for a more open environment where you are in the know, or would that prove to be a heavy burden as you find out information you wished you didn't know?) While it's true gossip in the workplace often serves as a safety value, it can also break down trust and send workers scurrying to their bunkers.Brainstorming -- That little exercise has turned into blame-storming more often than not. Does that one sound all too familiar to you managers?Back to the salt mines -- When you hear that expression making the rounds, you know sagging morale has become a serious issue.Take some time to listen to those oft-used metaphors bandied about by your staff and heed the messages your workers are giving you through idiomatic speech. When you've taken note of what messages are circulating within your hearing, use that information to craft a healthier, happier workplace.
