With all the turmoil in the workplace right now, some people are experiencing a strange side effect of downsizing: Sudden promotions. Already in a cost-cutting mode, however, the organization may not devote sufficient time, energy, and money to teach the new leaders the basics of managing people. So here is a back-to-basics crash course in managing people.
1. Empower People Through Effective Delegation
There is no such thing as 99% delegation because there is no such thing as 99% responsibility. It's 100% or nothing. Keep that in mind whenever you are handing out assignments. Always clarify goals. Exactly what is this person going to be 100% responsible for? Remember, goals without deadlines are only wishes. So attach a concrete deadline to every goal. And spell out the guidelines and specifications up front.
2. Listen Carefully and Offer Coaching Style Feedback
Pay close attention to the verbal and non-verbal expressions of your employees. You have to stay in tune with employees in order to provide effective, instructive, ongoing, informal feedback. Give your employees feedback every day, but choose your words very carefully. And always point to concrete next steps: "You did a great job on this. Here's what I want you to do next… by Tuesday at 2:00pm… and it has to be smaller than a refrigerator."
3. Celebrate Success, and Reward Good Performance
Constantly remind people of the performance you require: How much work? How fast? What quality? And hold people accountable. Give people credit for their achievements, no matter how small. Pay people in financial and non-financial rewards for good performance, but only when they deliver on their goals.
4. Be a Model of Respect, Empathy, and Trust
Create opportunities for employees to contribute their ideas. Try to imagine where each person on your team is coming from. Value employee input on matters that affect them. And let them know where you stand. Take responsibility for everything you say and do, hold yourself accountable, and never make excuses. Always honor your word and your agreements.
5. Do Some Reading - Right Away
For an instant MBA, read Stuart Crainer, The Ultimate Business Library: 75 Books That Made Management (Capstone, 2000); and Des Dearlove, The Ultimate Book of Business Thinking: Harnessing the Power of the World's Greatest Business Ideas (Capstone, 2001). For no-nonsense career advice, read Anne Fisher, If My Career's on the Fast Track, Where Do I Get a Road Map? (William Morrow & Co., 2001). For cool quotient, read Michael Lewis, Next: The Future Just Happened (WW Norton, 2001). And keep this one on your desk for just about everything: Bob Rosner, Allan Halcrow, and Alan Levins, The Boss's Survival Guide (McGraw-Hill, 2001).
