When it comes to working conditions, we’ve come a long way in the past 100 years — and not just in the wealthiest countries. Global unemployment rates have been down since the 2008 financial crisis, and the number of new jobs created by technological disruption exceeds the number of old jobs that are automated. Yes, there are still ghastly sweatshops, windowless call centers, and asbestos-ridden factories. But, for the most part, there has arguably never been a better time in history to be employed, and it has also never been easier.
To Prevent Burnout, Hire Better Bosses
Solid, boring managers are often better than erratic “superstars.”
August 23, 2019
Summary.
If you want to reduce employee burnout, start by improving your leadership. Studies show that a leader’s performance — including their tendency to stress people out — can often be predicted using science-based assessments and data. When scrutinizing candidates, focus less on their past performance, and more on their actual potential. Remember, it is about twice as profitable to eliminate parasitic, toxic leaders than to hire top performing ones. That’s why you should focus not only on analyzing their strengths, but also their flaws. Do they have toxic or extreme tendencies? You will be better off with above-average talent that is well-behaved, than with badly-behaved superstars.
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New!
HBR Learning
Attracting and Cultivating Talent Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Attracting and Cultivating Talent. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Discover how to attract, hire, develop, and keep talented people who will grow and thrive throughout their employee journey.