Do you have any employees reporting to two bosses?

Scripture: No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other (Matthew 6:24).

Today’s Thought: In this era of downsizing and cost cutting, it’s not uncommon for an employee to end up “splitting time” and reporting to two managers. Unfortunately, this practice rarely works. Either the staff person becomes frustrated trying to serve two bosses or conflicts arise between the “competing” managers over assignments and expectations.

Review your organizational structure. If you have any dual reporting relationships, decide which manager should be the primary supervisor. Establish clear and consistent guidelines for how other managers will route work to the subordinate staff person. Keep the plan simple, but complete. The manager who loses supervisory control may not like the new arrangement at first, but ultimately frustration will be reduced for everyone.

The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge (Proverbs 18:15).

If you have any dual reporting relationships, decide which manager should be the primary supervisor.