Whether you’re responsible for managing two people or twenty two there are certain principles that effective managers must adhere to in order to be an effective leader. These principles are straightforward and easy to remember and follow. However, it’s easy for a manager to neglect some or all of these for the sake of expediency. If you are responsible for managing people follow these five tips and the results of your subordinates will improve considerably.
1. Subordinates must understand their responsibilities and be equipped to do their job.
It’s very important that an employee fully understand what is expected of them. A number of companies use job descriptions to set forth the qualifications, duties and responsibilities for various positions. However, in most cases the job description gets put away in the bottom desk drawer. As a manager you must confirm that the people who report to you are thoroughly trained and well versed in their job. The greatest mistake a manager can make is to put a person in a job without proper training and preparation.
“Employees don’t make mistakes on purpose” Ed Teixeira
2. Coaching employees is a critical step in the process and is related to number 3. A manager must be teacher, coach and problem solver.
Effective managers need to coach, especially given the fast pace of business and the need to stay competitive. Think about coaching in terms of working with your subordinates to teach and develop their skills and decision making. Anyone can review results and critique performance. It takes good coaching to get the most out of people.
“Make sure that team members know they are working with you, not for you.”
John Wooden
3. Don’t be quick to accept problems from the subordinate but rather teach and encourage them to arrive at a solution.
“I've learned that mistakes can often be as good a teacher as success.”
Jack Welch
4. Be consistent by treating all employees the same.
“Don't measure busywork. Don't measure activity. Measure accomplishment. It doesn't matter what people do as much as it matters what they get done.”
Larry Winget
5. Provide timely and honest feedback on job performance and reward or discipline based upon results.
“Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”
Ken Blanchard
