5 Keys to Successful Management

Most managers have a Type-A personality.  For those of you uncertain what that is, they need to be in control of everything.  As both a manager and a Capricorn, I love to step up and take charge and have some modicum of control.

There are 5 Keys, however, to being a successful manager.  They are as follows:

1. Delegate, delegate, delegate.  Despite your best efforts, highest hopes, and deepest wishes, you cannot do everything yourself.  Know your limits and delegate the work to those you trust to get it done--just make sure those you trust to get it done are also those that would get it done right and get it done well.  You are still ultimately responsible.
2. Mentor.  You're not going to be where you are forever.  If you have a say as to who your replacement will be, train that person to do what you do.  Teach them the in's and out's of your job--give them tips and techniques (like this blog or podcast!)--ask for their feedback and suggestions for solutions.
3. Listen.  The old adage, "We have two ears and one mouth; use accordingly," is ever so important in management.  Listen to what your employees are telling you.  Listen to their suggestions.  Listen to their ideas.  You may find that the less you speak, the more productive your team will be.  When people feel like they are actually contributing to the whole, they will step up to help more frequently.
4. Praise.  Hand-in-hand with listening is praising your employees.  Praise them for taking initiative.  Thank them for doing a little extra here and there.  And don't do it secretly all the time.  Public recognition boosts an employees self-esteem and confidence.  "Hey, Sandy, I wanted to thank you in front of the group for going the extra mile and printing this report off in color--at the last minute.  The color really helps to demonstrate the profit-loss of the previous month."
5. Be real.  This may seem to go without saying, but there are countless managers (and I'm not just talking supervisors--I use the term "manager" for every level of management) who treat their employees as if the employee were somehow a lesser person.  Be real.  Your receptionist is just as important as you are.  If you don't believe me, go without yours for a day and answer your own phone.  Your janitor is just as important as your receptionist.  If you don't believe me, let him skip a night of cleaning.  People are fallible.  There will be mistakes made--but, they will not cause the Archangels to blow their trumpets, triggering the Apocalypse.  Everything will be just fine.  If you must reprimand, do so in a constructive fashion rather than a destructive fashion.  Hmmm....sounds like a topic for a future post--or a podcast!

No where in any of this did I say "motivate your employees."  That is because, it is my belief that your employees will be plenty motivated if you follow these five key steps, first.  Simply by praising and listening to your employees, you'll see your productivity rise.

Check out Amazon.com for some helpful books, CD's, and DVD's about being a successful manager.