Five More Habits for Effective Managers
Habit six:
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.
Habit seven:
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 programs.
Habit eight:
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, if you must). Immediately take at least one
positive step on each task in the "A" pile, respond, instruct, seek
clarification, or delegate.
Habit nine:
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.
Habit ten:
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".
Note: Better habits makes for better management and it supposedly takes twenty one days to a month to form a habit... best start now!

Copyright
Orglearn - Richard Townsend 2008-2014
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