Step back and put the bad experiences in the context of all employees over the last few months and years. Think about the two or three employees you value most and the contributions they are making to the business. Work hard to prevent a single employee or a few employee incidents from poisoning your attitude. Use Written Job Descriptions Employees like to know what they have been hired to do. As responsibilities change, they like to have an explicit understanding with their supervisor.
Employees also appreciate knowing what managers do and what their coworkers do.
Job descriptions provide an excellent foundation for performance evaluations and discussion of training needs. Provide Training Provide training for employees so that they can do well what they have been hired to do. Few people enjoy doing what they cannot do well. Mediocre performance because of lack of training and a supervisor's criticism for the mediocre performance frustrate even the most enthusiastic employee. Training is an investment in people.