I’ve been on a management course
I was told that there are only 4 things you need to worry about if you want to be a good manager:
- Provide a clear direction. Ensure everybody knows where they are supposed to be going.
- Give people space. Stand back and let them go in the direction you have set.
- Get the resources they need. If your team need help, find the help they need.
- Provide encouragement. Celebrate their successes and help them learn from their failures.
If you read about it or think about it — and I have, a little — you come to the conclusion that these 4 simple points are 80% of the management problem nailed.
But I am still a lousy manager
If you ask my team they will agree, going on a course (no matter how simple and effective ) does not a manager make.
Why is it so hard?
Because I was brought up to take control of a situation. I was promoted because I had a flair for the technical stuff. I like it and people have told me I am good at it.
I’ve never been rewarded for letting go, delegation, giving people their head and all that other wishy-washy empowerment stuff. It is not within my nature.
But I make up for it in other ways…
How about you?
Author: Jonty Pearce
Published On: 7th Jul 2014 - Last modified: 13th Nov 2018
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