Maximizing employee productivity requires that a manager takes into account all the emotional factors that affect work attitudes. Things to look for include:
1. Resistance to change. It's only natural for people to want to continue doing things as they have done them in the past. So a manager must anticipate the perceived threat of change.
2. Intrusion of outside problems - emotional, financial, marital, etc. - into the workplace. A distracted employee may be going through a life crisis. A sensitive manager will be alert to signs of outside stress and recommend counseling or other remedies.
3. The different ways that individuals learn new skills and improve over time. Some people need a little bit longer time to absorb new information and apply it properly.
4. Talents that may not be obvious. It pays to know as much as possible about subordinates' interests and skills, even hobbies. That knowledge could come in handy if your company puts in new systems or techniques that require different skills.