Workers leave jobs because of relationship with boss

A BAD boss - rather than a dislike for the job - is the main reason people quit, a new book says.

Workplace management expert Tony Wilson said bosses should look at themselves when staff resign, rather than blaming factors such as salary and workplace environment.

He pointed to a survey by global research organisation Gallup that found the calibre of the boss was the primary reason people stayed - but also the main reason people left.

He said research from Indiana University also found that a worker's relationship with their boss was nearly as important as their relationship with their spouse.

Wilson, who wrote Jack and the Team that Couldn't See, claims most managers spend too much time on operations, systems, strategy, products and services rather than people.

"While these are important pieces in the performance puzzle, they spend relatively little time developing their people - their greatest competitive advantage,"he said.

Mr Wilson said among the important areas bosses need to concentrate on were providing clarity on their expectations of staff, constant feedback and open and honest communication.

Social intelligence was also important to learn how to properly relate to staff.

"Every day this aspect of leadership becomes more crucial, yet time and time again I see managers who cannot relate to their staff or whose irregular moods bring everyone down," he said.

"A manager must develop trust and respect through their treatment of people."

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