What does it mean to "back up" your staff?

Question

I am a middle manager. My staff complain that I don't "Back them up". I hardly ever hear complaints about them, but when I do I talk to them about it and try to make things better. Then they say I don't back them up. What should I be doing different? What if the complaints are justified? Should I defend them when they are wrong, have a bad attitude or screw up? I'd like feedback from employees and managers. What am I doing wrong?

Answer 1

Backing them up means never talking negatively about them to upper management or other colleagues...and also, defending them to a degree when someone does speak ill of them.

They probably see you as someone who is just going with the flow...status quo, happy to be there, will do what you need to do, but do not see you as someone who supports them or gives them due credit.

When they do something great...make sure colleagues and higher ups hear about it. If upper management questions their abilitities, provided they deserve it, point out their strengths and what they have done to contribute. If someone accuses your staff of incompetency, lackluster or lazy work--if warranted, defend it. If you don't know whether they have contributed to a problem or not...your answer to upper mgmt should be that you will look into it but that you are confident in them and it may be an oversight, etc.

Employees feel slighted and underappreciated when your success is never attributed to the support they provide. You don't have to have a pep rally to let them know you appreciate it, talking good about them will always get back to them.

Answer 2

i think the term 'back up ' means just that, that you back them in situations with the higher management. maybe the problem is not that you talk to them about complaints about them, but that you don't take their complaints to the higher management. or show good cause for an employee to advance even if they have had problems in the past. no i don't think you should defend them if they are wrong, just talk to them about it and ask what you can do to help them. if they say something about the work environment or hours being tough, talk to your supervisors and see if something can be done. i think that you ask, shows you have some concern for your employees, just try to see if they have any complaints and/or suggestions that may make the work place a better place for all.

good luck,
lily

Answer 3

I defend all employees when they are right and I scold them when they are wrong (in a humanly fashion). I ALWAYS give them credit when credit it earned. I ususally establish this right from the beginning. I make everyday an enjoyable day. Heck, nobody wants to work, but at least they 'semi' enjoy it. Your situtation is a little more complex. One or two complainers is easy to deal with. The fact that your 'staff' is uncomfortable with you is a little harder to fix. Just take the above step a little at a time. You don't want to rush it. It's a 'semi' big fire and you're gonna have to use a little water at time. Good Luck

Answer 4

Are you in the civil service. If you are, then you are in a classic situation where people get paid no matter how much work effort you put in. People don't get incentive to be innovative and creative but they get punishment whenever things gone wrong or when they try something new or not in the job scope

"Back up" means to cover-up their short-comings like, taking time off, malingering.

You should get tough with them, don't pander them, you don't own them a living. It is your job to make sure they get their share of work done in time. Keep track of their poor performance, note it down and used them if you have to FIRED them.

Otherwise, you will be fired by your immediate superior.

Man, it is a dog eat dogs world.

Answer 5

Give them money, they will be your freind.