Management Skills
A lot of times, it’s easy for managers to blame the downfalls of the company and its work environment on the fault of the employees they are managing. Their thoughts are full of ‘if only’s and ‘should have’s.
“If only my employees were more motivated.”
“This employee should have worked harder for a better outcome.”
But what if the problem isn’t your employees? What if the root of the problem is actually you?
The Manager Controls the Outcome
It’s easy to play the blame game when the outcome depends on the performance of others. However, our role as leaders is to manage our employees in such a way that the team reaches its goals together. It is the responsibility of the manager to ensure success. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, and it will depend on the unique structure and environment of your workplace and employees. Your behavior today will drive tomorrow’s results. Regardless of present circumstances, you can make changes now as management that will change the future outcomes of your organization.
Communication is Key
If you expect specific results, you must be able to communicate those expectations to your employees. When you’re unhappy in a relationship, you must communicate the changes that need to happen for the relationship to succeed. Otherwise, the relationship will continue on as it is.
Just as a football team can’t play well if the coach never calls the play, your employees can’t perform if you don’t communicate the game plan. Seeing the big picture of where you are taking the company may be the push your employees need to make a change. It is hard to move forward with no direction. Perspective will give your employees new insight and reduce your frustration as a manager.
We’re All in This Together
Don’t allow yourself to get into the habit of a “me vs. them” mentality with your employees. If you are just as liable for the performance of your company as they are, then you should be in this together. You are their accountability, and they are yours. You can’t do it without them, and vice versa. So don’t make it a competition between you and them. You’re on the same team, partners in the same relationship, hopefully working toward the same goals. Maybe it’s time you get in the game alongside them.
Ryan C. Bailey is an Executive Coach who helps business leaders develop in-demand high performing teams.