5 Lines Employees Hate to Hear From New Managers

Leaders want to make their mark on operations, stamp their philosophical footprint on minds, leave their legacy on hearts and in hallways. They hope their leadership will be unique, profitable, and pleasant. Understandable goals.

All too often, however, they start out with similar comments—lines that set their employees up for disappointment and disengagement rather than the intended positive pat on the back and productivity boost:

1. “Tell me if I’m wrong, but here’s what I’m thinking.” W...