Managing Effectively (1.5 Credit Hour) TDI Course No.

 

Chapter 6:

6.1    Top Five (5) Keys to Effective Management from Successful Agents:

• o Have written position results descriptions with measurable, time-bound performance standards for each positioning agency
• o Share how employees performance will be measured (A positive control system is in place) and provide timely reviews
• o Inability of the manager to vary his/her style to fit the situation and followers
• o Provide opportunities for continuous learning for all employees and over and beyond CE requirements
• o Let employees know that failure is okay, repeating same failure or mistake is not
• o The greatest way to impress your employees is to walk the talk

 

6.2    Some Additional Keys to Effective Management from Successful Agents (By Michael Abrashoff, author)

-Put people first. People are the most important asset of any organization. The U.S. military's motto is "Mission first, People always." This is an explicit recognition that without people, nothing is accomplished.

- Encourage risk taking and innovation. Organizations that stick to the 'tried and true' often stagnate. Progress comes only through moving into uncharted territory and trying new things. Identify and reward the risk takers and innovators in your organization.

- Embrace change. Change is a constant in life; in fact, the only constant. To be an effective manager or leader, you should not only embrace change, you should promote it.

- Emphasize honesty and integrity. The most technically competent people who lack honesty and integrity are little more than charlatans. If an organization is to prosper and endure, it must exude trust, and the integrity of an organization is a function of the honesty and integrity of every member of that organization.

- Establish open communications. Knowledge is the key to power and success. As a leader/manager, it is essential that you have access to the knowledge of those around you. An atmosphere of open, candid communication provides you the knowledge to make effective decisions.

- Foster a learning environment. Each decade, science and technology increases exponentially. Learning should be a life-long pursuit. In addition to continually learning yourself, as a leader, you should encourage your subordinates to constantly upgrade their own skills and knowledge.

- Be a team builder. No man is an island. Except for certain works of art, nothing is created without the effort of a number of individuals working together. Leverage the diversity and different talents within your organization through the creation of teams.