- Years ago, I overheard my manager chatting

with someone on the phone.

He was using hush tones and coded language

that just screamed super secret corporate news.

At the time,

everybody suspected the company wasn't doing well

and the tone of the conversation made it clear

that he had the inside scoop.

I wasn't nosy, but I was curious.

So I asked my boss, "What was that all about?"

He told me it was none of my business

and to get back to work.

A few weeks later, our company announced layoffs.

Today's workforce is different

and expects managers to operate as pillars of trust.

Employees want a leader who can communicate clearly,

anticipate issues, remove stress,

and speak the truth in good times and bad.

And if they don't get those attributes from you,

they'll go somewhere else.

So how can you be someone your team trusts no matter what?

Well, great managers are talented communicators.

They cut to the chase, speak simply, and avoid buzz words.

If they don't know something, the best managers will say,

"I don't have that information for you.

When I know something, I'll share it."

Exceptional leaders are realistic optimists.

During times of uncertainty,

even simply acknowledging that work is hard

can be a radical act of leadership.

Listen, you don't have to spend every waking moment

helping your team find purpose

and meaning in the work that they do.

Sometimes, it's enough to recognize the tough stuff

and ask someone if they want to talk.

Extraordinary leaders inspire loyalty by telling the truth.

Employees can forgive a lot,

but they will always leave a manager who lies.

And remarkable leaders don't gossip.

They avoid engaging in speculative conversations

that might make things worse.

Want to be a manager people won't leave?

Become a trusted advisor

and an organizational interpreter

who speaks with clarity,

shares what's going on with honesty and a dash of optimism,

and always tells the truth even when it's easier not to.

My old manager could have heeded my advice.

When I asked about the conversation I overheard,

he could have said, "I can't talk about this right now,

but I promise you that we can talk about this honestly

and candidly at a specific point in the future."

Employees will always stick with a manager

who makes a sincere effort to be trustworthy

in good times and bad

and they'll always leave a manager who gossips on the phone.

(bright music)