Most managers have made observations concerning important policies, procedures, and methods which at one time were put in place, only to ultimately and mystically vanish along the way. This recognition usually comes along after some negative event erupts changing the manager’s daily activities from active to reactive – you know, putting out the next fire. For many, this reactive mode becomes a daily method of management, where there is no point in planning, since the day’s activities will be littered with unforeseen obstacles, just like yesterday and the day before.
On the other hand, some very successful enterprises have mastered the art of supervising proactively, and through a series of detailed and specific job definitions, pre-planned auditing programs, and active management precepts they are able to keep their employees focused on a vision. This while performing at well-defined levels which minimize the need for reactive management. For managers functioning in this fresh environment, maintaining and growing results become the ultimate and consuming everyday focus.
The good news is that an approach to management is a choice. Administrators of all persuasions can choose to be reactive or proactive, once they learn the available and proven techniques of those who have mastered a calmer and more creative management approach. Some keys include well-defined job functions which are set in motion from hire and then reviewed regularly for coaching and improvements, or to just to celebrate performance. Consistent process audits are mandatory once specific processes have been defined and documented for all that follow. Objectives create the targets valuable employees want to achieve, and these can be established in many categories. Without objectives, any result becomes acceptable.
Taking a completely unique and fresh approach to management is not impossible. While it may not happen overnight, taking steps forward will achieve the ultimate goal of proactive and comfortable day-to-day management of a staff which respects and understands where the team is going, and how to get there. Making it happen versus watching it happen is a life-changer for all!
Don’t miss Ed Kovalchick’s session at Digital Dealer 26 this April in Orlando! Learn which tools and strategies will help you to maintain a consistency culture.
