A good manager knows everything that’s going on in his or
her department and with their people. By communicating with your people you
know what’s going on and when your boss asks you about your department you will
have an answer immediately. When you do it shows him you’re on top of your game
and you know what’s going on.
Your team should know what your goals are and what you
expect of them. The first place you should start is your company’s mission
statement. This will be the foundation where you begin to build your goals for
your department. Your company has a mission they expect you to follow; it’s
your job to create a plan with your team on how you will accomplish this. When
your team knows what the plan is they will follow it and thus you will know
exactly what’s going on in your department.
Your team should consist of the best people. This begins at
the hiring process. This is the most important part, and too many managers hire
to fill a spot, rather than take the time to screen, interview and hire the
right person. However after hiring it is important to monitor our selection to
make sure we made the right choice. If you invest in your people a majority of
your promotions can be filled by advancing current employees.
Foster a team building department. Everyone wants to be part
of a team, especially a winning team. Require your employees to work together
as a team to accomplish the department’s goals. This way when they are achieved
everyone can enjoy in the celebration.
Listen to what your people have to say. Too often we want to
speak more, and we will shoot from the hip when only partially informed. Take
the time and listen to your employees. This is also important when you’re
trying to comprehend why and employee’s performance has declined. By not
listening you may think the problem is worse than it really is and there is an
easy solution.
If you set parameters and standards for your people you can
enable them the freedom and latitude to reach the goal. It is important to
follow the standards; however there may be more than one way to accomplish it.
Allow your people that flexibility to be creative. Let them solve problems by
taking the time to truly identify the cause and the best solution. This show
then you have confidence in them and there way just might save the company time
and money.
Evaluate your people fairly and often. Don’t wait for a
mandated review by your company. People want to know how they are doing, if
their work is on course with what you and the company expect.
A good manager knows what’s going on in your department and
you will not have to worry about any surprises.
