We know that management is an art through which people or things (and in some cases situations) are controlled and dealt with. Though it is easy to string words together, it isn’t always easy implementing management styles effectively.
In order to fully get a grasp on the effective methods of management, I’ll be laying out with you the 10 golden rules of effective management.
1. Managers should share information, ideas and company goals with their subordinates.
For Effective management to take place, a manager should always share vital information, ideas and company goals as well as achievements with their subordinates. If a manager fails to do so, subordinates will feel left out. Involving subordinates during every step of the process will help them grow and learn more.
2. Managers should use their subordinates’ ideas if they’re good
Managers should always listen to ideas that the subordinates provide to offer. A subordinate knows what could benefit the organization and work productivity. This being said, a subordinate should also be praised for coming up with a good idea. Don’t just steal their ideas and claim that you came up with it. Be honest and reward them. Make them and their ideas feel wanted.
3. Communication is key to effective management
It doesn’t matter if a manager communicates with his or her subordinates or if it’s the subordinates who are communicating with the manager. It is important to have free flow of speech either way. A successful work environment is created only when proper communication takes place. Managers who don’t converse with their subordinates are not good managers; they are only harming the level of productivity of a work place.
4. Set an example for your subordinates
If you set examples for your subordinates they’re likely to follow your footsteps. Don’t set bad examples for them, if you’re a manager, work just as hard as your subordinates and don’t slack off or throw your workload at them. If you’re not going to take your work seriously, neither will they.
5. Make work more delightful
You should lighten the atmosphere at your workplace once in a while. Instead of keeping everything strictly business, plan surprise lunch outings or have a fun themed work party. A relaxed employee works better than a stressed one therefore it is important to add an element of fun every once in a while.
6. Don’t be a biased manager
Instead of pointing fingers at each other, be transparent and unbiased. Listen to what employees or subordinates have to say. You can’t simply blame someone (in this case your subordinates) because the results weren’t great. If they’ve complained to you about a certain problem and you looked the other way, it’s your fault the results were not up to par. For instance, if a subordinate complains that his system isn’t working, you can’t expect him to give you a finished product at the end of the day if you haven’t done anything to fix it.
7. Never use the same approach for everything
Don’t use the same approach of encouragement on every individual of your team. There are some who are a bit more sensitive than the other so instead of being harsh on them, maintain the stiff upper lip but get your message across well. This doesn’t mean you’ll get violent, this simply means you effectively encourage each member of your team differently.
8. Create a good project plan
It’s important for every team manager to know what the company’s goals are. Set them straight and let your subordinates know what the goals are. At the end of the month if you want 2 projects to be complete, you have to ensure they work hard to get those projects done.
9. Learn to say NO
If you do not like a project or the way subordinates handle a certain situation at work then make it clear. If you do not like a project say so. Do not accept any sloppy work, ask them to redo the project or make major improvements. If you do not like how a subordinate keeps making excuses, stop accepting them. Say NO! No to excuses, No to sloppy work and No to everything else that is affecting the company’s productivity.
10. Establish confidence and a sense of trust between supervisors and subordinates
What happens in most companies is that there isn’t a level of trust or confidence between supervisors and subordinates because of many reasons. Sometimes a supervisor may abuse his power which is why his or her subordinates avoid communicating with them and don’t discuss their problems with them, which in turn harms productivity.
Conclusion
Effective management is a tricky task. You never know when or where you will have to implement one of the above mentioned points but the truth is every organization faces some of these problems. You have to grasp the situation then implement an effective solution. Also, listening and communicating is an essential key to better management. Make sure you also solve problems. Don’t just listen from one ear then let those words drift out of the other ear.
Trust and confidence are also important elements that help you achieve effective management techniques. Other than that, keep tabs on each and every subordinate; make sure they’re effectively working up to their full potential. Do not encourage slackers to keep on slacking and you as a manager should also set a good example to all the members of your team. Do not expect them to deliver while you are adding workload on them and you’re relaxing watching a series of Game of thrones.
Effective management can only occur if there’s a balance of communication, respect, trust, confidence and effort from both sides. Also, instead of always being so harsh on your subordinates, keeping them relaxed and giving them an element of fun could do wonders to both sides. You’ll be amazed at what a soothing environment once in a while can do to employees.