Managing and Leading
So as I will not forget and also to share to the world, I will be listing down important things I should do and not do when I will already be managing people, either as a direct manager or a leader.
1.) Empathize
No matter how small or short the chit-chat as long as it is from the heart, a little empathy will go a long way in a professional relationship.
2.) Collaborate
A Collaborative management and planning style will be better as a whole as accountability and ownership will be instilled in all the stakeholders, also the more brains into it gives everyone a wider field of choices.
3.) Be open and transparent
Being open and transparent with decisions, issues and everything else keeps everyone in the loop and helps build a stronger relationship. Ideas, solutions and comments from everyone will also help in a smooth operation.
4.) Know what is on the background
Knowing the personal background as well as present situation of everyone in the team helps build camaraderie and develops a understanding of the person, being able to help in tight personal situation also directly affects productivity. As I believe that personal and work life is one, helping out on the personal side will directly affect the work life.
5.) No idea is to small or bad
Always hear things out and discuss it, even if it is not the best or appropriate on the first discussion, it might lead to a better one later on.
6.) Give opportunities
Always give people the opportunity or chance to learn, develop and shine. some mistakes must be made to learn and always trust in people to deliver as promised. Make yourself obsolete everyday, never make yourself or anyone irreplaceable as you might not be able to move-on.
7.) Budget should not be a convenient excuse
Never make budget the first and most convenient excuse, another issue or point must be on the table other than budget constraints.
8.) Talk
Build relationships and talk, talk, talk with your people and your stakeholders.
9.) Compensate commensurately
Compensate commensurately, this is the easiest thing to do and is the most basic retention plan.
10.) Plan and develop
Plan and develop for the future, people will not stay stuck where they are for a couple of years, plan for future requirements, develop skills that might be needed, make everyone flexible and malleable to quickly learn new skills and trade as future requirements change quickly and the fastest to adapt will win the race. A development plan and career path is the long term retention plan, make sure it is followed and follow through it’s progress on both sides.