In the management courses we run, many delegates question how they can manage their people more effectively. Actually, it’s the wrong question. We don’t manage people. We take care of their career prospects and help them to grow.
The trick is to lead people and manage tasks.
How do you know how people want to be encouraged, motivated, coached, supported, delegated to and help to grow?
The only way to do this is to ASK.
In your first (or next) meeting with each direct report ask:
How can I help you to grow in your career?
What can I do to help you excel?
How can we build excellence in everything we do together?
Listen (really listen) to the response and then, as far as you are able, adapt your coaching, motivation, compensation, and so forth to match that individual’s needs.
A really great employee won’t wait for you to ask; he or she will tell you outright what works. When this happens, you’re crazy not to take that employee’s advice!
Unfortunately, most individuals aren’t that bold, which is why it’s up to you to find out how to get the best out of them and to manage excellently.
Become the kind of manager that people like to work with. Ask the questions that get your people up and running. Then you’ll get their support and manage your tasks efficiently and your people effectively.
