WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET THE JOB DONE?

As managers, we have been given the responsibility to manage the organization or agency’s most valuable asset, the staff. So, how easy or difficult is that?

• It is a challenging and demanding job because it involves individuals of all walks of life. You spend more than 80% of the week managing people, issues, performance, office gossip and attendance or the lack thereof.

•  When you manage two or more people, “One Size does Not Fit All”

•  Staff comes in all genders, personalities, good and bad habits, sexual orientation, ethnicity and ages. Are you flexible to accept who they are?

•  You are required and expected to coach and prepare them so that they can contribute effectively to the organization/ agency operation and bottom line.

•  Furthermore, since the baby boomers generation is expected to retire from the workforce within the next 8 to 10 years, you are also responsible for strategizing and establishing a succession plan.

•  The question is: How can you meet all these responsibilities, get the job done and do it right?

Though there is never a dull moment, my long term strategy has always been to use a lot of common sense combined with a great dose of psychology, (the study of human behavior). One must uncover what motivates them and what frustrates them?  As a manager, how much do I show empathy for my staff problems? Moreover, do I make time to listen to them, to coach and acknowledge good performance accordingly? Finally, can you identify who has the talent and capacity to become candidates for the succession plan?

In order to succeed and get the job done right remember that it is all about the strongest effort of a team lead by you, acknowledging strengths and weaknesses along the way, working together towards accomplishing the mission and goals. The expected outcome will be the success of the organization or agency and the team’s satisfaction of a job well done collectively.

Angie