Consistent Success in the Inconsistent Marketplace

They say that you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Well that old dog probably isn't the best fit for a management position!

 A great manager should always be open to new and innovative ways of accomplishing tasks. Competition in every industry is constantly improving and looking for ways to gain market share. Management must keep ahead of the curve in every way possible. If the industry trend is a strong push toward customer service, be the first to the party and find exciting ways to draw customers in and keep existing customers very satisfied. Managers must analyze the situation, compile all relevant facts, formulate a plan of action and act accordingly. The mark of a great manager is consistent success regardless of a changing environment. Don't be the old dog. Learn a few new tricks!

DJ

Employee recognition - DO!!

Have you ever worked under a manager that refuses to acknowledge your stellar contribution to the company, yet relishes in the opportunity to critique any areas that may need improvement? You are not alone my friend! It is very important that managers acknowledge employees for performing well. A manager that shows genuine gratitude for positive production gives employees a sense of importance to the company, as well as motivates them to continue operating at a high level.

"Appreciate everything your associates do for the business. Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise. They're absolutely free and worth a fortune."
- Sam Walton -

Well said Mr. Walton. Well said.

So managers, lets appreciate our employees. A pat on the back goes a long way! And yes of course, motivated employees tend to drive your P&L as well!

DJ

Tips from the peanut gallery

"Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don't interfere as long as the policy you've decided upon is being carried out." - Ronald Reagan

Love it!!!

DJ

Lead by example - DO!!!

The first responsibility of any manager is to take ownership of their tasks and complete them in the most efficient and productive way possible. Many of us have come across a manager or two that use their title as an excuse to do less work. The most effective managers lead from the front with their work ethic and tenacity, fostering a work environment that demands nothing less than excellence. Managers! Don't simply delegate responsibility and think that your duties are over. Do your job and do it well!

DJ

Micromanagement - DONT!

Over your shoulder? Constant pacing? Babysitting? Constant Monitoring? Sounds like this manager may have caught a bit of the micromanagement flu thats going around.

"Rather than giving general instructions on smaller tasks and then devoting their time to supervising larger concerns, the micromanager monitors and assesses every step of a business process and avoids delegation of decisions." Wiki

Couldn't have said it better myself! Micromanagement is a key factor in employee empowerment or dissatisfaction. In my experience, managers that utilize this style may have short term success, but their longevity is put at risk. Any manager that is worth there weight in gold knows that in order to run a successful team, your employees need to be motivated to work for you. Early on, it is important that employees know that attention to detail, timeliness, and stellar performance is demanded. Once a manager has coached their employee to this high level of performance, they must loosen the reigns and give them the ability to do whatever it is that they do best. This act gives the employee a sense of self-importance to the firm and also promotes a healthier work environment, which ultimately affects your bottom-line positively!! Thoughts???

DJ

Management thoughts

Over the years I have worked with various individuals in positions of management who all have different styles and all "seem" to be management gurus. Companies can thrive or die as a result of great management skills, or the lack thereof.  This blog is an open discussion on management do's and dont's, and tips to successfully motivate one's employees to give maximum effort and create a dynamic work environment for everyone involved.

DJ