Rules for Managing
by Miki SaxonManagement has always been a difficult topic to wrap your arms around. The available information is lengthy, involved, and often contradictory.
After conversations with hundreds of CEOs, executives and managers, RampUp developed a set of basic rules for managing. They are my gift to you and if you do nothing else but follow these rules this coming year, I guarantee that you’ll improve your productivity and retention.
Finally, I want wish each of you health, wealth, success and happiness throughout 2007. May your dreams come true and may you see the magic happening all around you.
Have a safe and wonderful New Year,
Miki
The Top Five Things To Remember If You’re A CEO
1. Foremost, you are guardian of the big picture. You must clearly identify the goals of the company, then work with your people to turn them into specifics. Get their buy-in by making sure they understand how their goals, the company’s, and others’ interact. The biggest rewards at all levels should go to those who understand the company’s goals, and ethically do whatever is necessary to achieve them—especially when it takes precedence over their personal goals.
2. You set the tone of the organization. If you’re political, secretive, nitpicking, or querulous, that is how your organization will be. No matter what—your people will do as you do, not as you say.
3. People produce best if they know, and help determine, the range of their control. (I call it Management by Box) Their decisions inside the box are final, decisions outside it require approval. Through discussion of their performance, the box will grow or shrink. Your company’s strength will increase in direct
proportion to your people’s growth, so make their boxes as big as possible.
4. Never criticize an employee in the presence of others. Praise in public, criticize in private.
5. Every successful company must have a competitive edge. Enhance your people’s ability to do their jobs by clearly defining and communicating what it is.
Five Golden Rules For Managers
1. The day you decided to be a manager you chose to be judged by the accomplishments of your group instead of your own. Even if you work hands-on or 24-hours a day, your own work can’t offset a poorly performing group. You will excel further and faster if you improve communications, enhance motivation, strengthen staffing, and encourage training.
2. Be the manager you always wanted! Assign valid tasks— be sure of the need, think it through, and supply all the necessary information. Admit your mistakes. Praise in public— criticize in private. Encourage and take pride in your people’s growth. Don’t block promotions. Hire the best. Be approachable.
3. You’re the boss, the one in charge. Keep your cool. Shut your mouth when you lose your temper. Assess the situation—then be angry, reserved, or whatever you think is needed.
4. People produce best if they know, and help determine, the range of their control (I call it Management by Box) Their decisions inside the box are final, decisions outside it require approval. Through discussion of their performance, the box will grow or shrink. To encourage growth, always make their box as big as possible.
5. Want to get promoted? Then understand your boss’ job. Ask yourself: “Why did she do that?” “What can I learn from his decision?” “What would I have done differently?” Later ask, “Would my way have worked?”
