5 Habits of Successful Managers
- Before answering staff questions, ask them to suggest a solution to the problem.... if staff are encouraged to offer their suggestions true mentoring/coaching can begin, plus it's a good way to find new approaches to solving old problems.
- Allow staff to make and learn from mistakes, (within reason).... by allowing mistakes and then coaching to improve performance, 'subordinates' will be more willing to take responsibility. A common tendency to ridicule or 'hit' those who make mistakes is a major reason for the failure of many empowerment programmes.
- Manage the in-tray using the "ABC" method. Split the in-tray into 3 piles (A, B & C) then assume there is no B... take B pile items and place them in A or C, then bin the C pile, (or have it filed). Immediately take at least one positive step on each task in the 'A' pile: respond, instruct, seek clarification or delegate.
- When delegating agree (rather than set) deadlines... if you don't agree a deadline you run the risk of getting a, 'I haven't had time yet'. By agreeing a deadline the other party has to be up-front about their current workload and will have little or no excuse for not performing the task allotted.
- Check progress... confirm progress on tasks delegated to staff or assigned to colleagues. A good formula is to seek a report at 'half time' and in the 'final quarter'.
