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The Role of a Manager is
to Plan, Provide and Protect
The role of a manager is far more than being a person who
excelled at their work and got promoted. To be an effective
manager you have to plan, provide and protect.
Plan
A good manager is clear on the goals of the company and what
role their department plays in achieving them. They easily
communicate how the plan will be implemented and achieved
and provide the relevant tools for success.
They understand the process of interpreting corporate goals
into departmental outputs and individual responsibilities.
Provide
If you want your team to excel then you will provide them
with the following:
-
The tools to do their job well - This includes
equipment, a safe environment to work and adequate time and money to
complete the job.
-
Support - Recognize that each individual has
unique skills, support their work styles and acknowledge their abilities.
It's also the emotional encouragement to spur them on or keep them focused
during times of adversity.
-
Clear, consistent communication - There's
nothing worse than discovering a vital piece of information that impacts
your work after you've finished the task. You don't have to reveal company
secrets but promptly let team members know when information comes to light
that will affect the task they're working on. Otherwise it wastes resources
and becomes de-motivating.
-
Stable goal posts - It's really frustrating
when you're working towards an outcome only to have the goal posts keep
moving. If they are, it means the manager and / or their colleagues aren't
clear on the objectives of the company. Sure, we have to be flexible in
business and things change, but not all the time.
Protect
In times of adversity the
manager must:
-
be fair to their team
and not overwork them with harsh deadlines
-
address any issues or
problems that arise
-
be a strong advocate
of their team, and
-
act as a buffer
between the team and its environment.
Everybody who works in
your team may not like you but wouldn't it be great if some at least thought, "I
really like having Tina as a manager, she really supports me and I feel
fortunate to be on her team." You can't ask for higher praise than that.
Click
the following link if you would like to jump-start your management, team
leader or supervisor career and uncover the
7 Super Success Secrets to Become
a Manager even if you have no management experience.
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