There is a reason management gets paid more than the rank and file in any given organization. Management is harder and requires a skill set that not everybody can claim to have.
In this article we are going to look at one simple technique that will make management easier for those of you who find themselves in the management trenches and maybe feel more than a little overwhelmed, and feel that the universe is secretly (or not so secretly) plotting your demise.
This technique is actually very simple, but the application of it and its judicious use takes practice and perseverance. People who master this will truly be worth their weight in gold as managers.
You may or may not have heard of the six different types of management styles. If not, or even if you feel you need a slight refresher, take the time to click on that link and study them. Once you are sure you are absolutely clear on the subject, come back here.
The answer to truly dynamic management is so simple but it’s something people often forget, and for that reason deserves its own article on here.
The key to successful management is simply to learn to go between the management styles effortlessly, and never get stuck on any particular style. To analyze the situation, and use the appropriate management style.
The number one error of new managers or mediocre managers is that they tend to get stuck in one particular management style and think that they have found El Dorado and that this one style is going to be applicable in every situation. Real life says no, it is not.
One specific example of this type of error is when new or mediocre managers think that “autocratic is bad?” and strictly avoid this type of management style. The reality of this world is, sometimes you have to be an autocrat to be a good manager. There are situations where time is of the essence and decisions have to be made quickly, so you must make them, put your foot down and take responsibility for them! There are other times when people under you are clueless and need a firm management hand, or as another example you may have a brand new bunch of people under you who need to be shown the ropes. It sounds incredible writing it down or reading it as you are now, but out there in the real world, managers lose their heads and actually do this. All. The. Time. Don’t be one of those managers.
On the other end of the spectrum, maybe you have someone on your team under you who has more experience than you and is a valuable asset, meaning a high performer at whatever he or she does. It can be very important to let that person have the breathing room he or she needs to function. Make sure that your management never gets in the way of someone else’s success. This is a sure fire way to wind up out on the street with that person you tangled with enjoying what used to be your job!
The guiding and underlying principle here is that these management styles should not be looked upon as ideals or philosophies, but simply as tools to get things done, pure and simple. Being an autocratic manager doesn’t mean you have to treat your employees poorly or be rude. And being a democratic manager doesn’t mean you have to be a pushover, either. Remember, those above you are holding YOU responsible for the choices YOU are supposed to make in the role they hired you for, so ultimately it’s your decision, no matter how much outside input you may seek.