At my Time Management programs I learn that many employees blame their boss for not being as effective as they could be. Here is what they say, and some suggestions to improve:

Changing goals and strategies. Adjustments are inevitable. However, if you are constantly making corrections, you probably did not have a plan in the first place. Create a vision and goals along with strategies that will make your goals reality so that you can assign tasks accordingly.

Unclear expectations. Be sure that your employees know what they are supposed to do and how and when they are supposed to do it and why they do what they do.

False urgency. Take time to determine what is really urgent and what are the priorities to get things done. When priorities shift, efficiency is reduced.

Micromanagement. If your people have to ask permission to make decisions, that takes time and builds resentment. Train and empower your employees so they can make decisions and act on them.

Complacency. If good enough, is good enough, motivation evaporates. People stop trying to excel and don’t want to do anything new or different. They try to ease their burden even though they’re not working at full capacity. Encourage your people to stretch. Remember: People support what they help create.

Personal Stories. While the office need not be all business, employees do not want to hear about family horror stories, relationship issues and particularly NOT about your sex life. Don’t waste their time by giving them “too much information!”