Managing people is hard. I’ll be the first to admit that it’s mostly too hard for me. I’m really not very good at it.
There are more management approaches floating around than I can count. Each year, there’s a trendy new management system that gets lots of attention from those buying and reading business books.
The best management approach is the one that keeps you engaged. If the system fails to keep you, the manager, involved, then the managing stops and chaos ensues.
I’m not going to suggest a particular management technique for you today. I’m simply going to outline the basics of management. I’m providing you with a framework for thinking about management.
The Basic Requirements of Management
If you’re doing those five things, then you’ve got it happening. If any of the five are missing or lacking, then things are probably not going quite as well as you’d like.
Here are the basics:
- Provide clear statements of what is required of the position and standard operating procedures related to recurring tasks and responsibilities.
- Provide clear explanations of the job parameters along with measurable goals and specific deadlines for all work assignments.
- Engage in accurate monitoring, evaluation, and documentation of the work performed.
- Give clear and specific feedback on the work performed.
- Provide fair rewards and compensation for the work.
That’s the deal. Do those five things, and you’re winning. Skip any of the basics, and you’re likely to be frustrated by what you’re getting from your team.
