Working with PEOPLE

Before you can manage others you must learn to manage yourself!

        Successful management requires  clarification of purpose, total commitment, and a first class team of workers.

        Management is all about dealing with people – picking the right people, encouraging them, delegating tasks to them and occasionally having a frank talk with them.

A Handful of tips to best managing people

* All people must know what is fully expected of them

        They should have a precise job specification.

What is required? What is their job? It must be clear and put in writing in a job description stating to whom they are responsible.

        People appreciate being told what their long-term prospects are and future possibilities if they perform well.

* A safe working environment is essential

        Workers must have a safe, healthy workplace and be given the tools to do a good job.

* Give responsibility

        People work best if they are challenged – but don’t overdo the pressure.

        If clear guidance is given, delegate to where the action takes place. That’s the place where the quick decisions need to be made.

        The ability to delegate is the key to management – a good manager is a good delegator and a good facilitator.

        Too much red tape and too many controls frustrate workers and  prevent them doing their best work.

        They must be trusted and given responsibility, but  a good two-way communication system is essential. All changes must be explained and discussed fully.          

* Encourage feedback

        Have regular and honest discussions with staff to guide and encourage them. Keep them fully informed of developing situations and proposed changes.  

        Honest feedback from both staff and clients must be encouraged.

        Relevant worthwhile training must be given to keep people up-to-date with new skills required  and developing situations.    Training workshops can be a good time to get honest feedback.

        Keep people up-to-date with the latest communication devices, whenever possible. 

* Praise and reward good work

        If people make an extra effort they should be praised and rewarded.

        Praise can be given publicly but constructive criticism should be given in private. “Thank you – well done.” Can be a great incentive.

        Rewards given to encourage workers can take many forms. A car park, a bonus, time off , a special meal , a new task, a new vehicle.

        Try to find the best people you can; involve them in planning; give them clear instructions and allow them to do the job their way,  provided they meet the agreed standards and time limits.

–Geoffrey Moss(mossasasociates.co.nz)

“Always try to do unto others as you would wish them to do unto you.”

Source: “Secrets for New Managers” first published by Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand (www//mossassociates.co.nz) and Cengage Learning Asia, Singapore. Also available as a hard copy and as an  e-book from Amazon.com and VitalSource.