Change the World in a Minute

"The One Minute Manager" is a revolutionary approach to leadership that promises maximum results with minimal time investment. In a world where time is our most precious commodity, imagine a management style so effective, it takes only a minute to master.

In this edition of Know Your Manager, we speak with Krishna Kumar Varma Kucharlapati , Associate Director of Delivery Management at Signant Health , as his experiences demonstrate the effectiveness of clear goals, timely feedback, and empathetic leadership in driving team success.

Ferdie: Krishna, thank you for joining us today. Let's dive right into your experience with the "One Minute Manager" book. What initially drew you to this book and how has it impacted your management style?

Krishna: Thank you for having me. My brother, who's an avid reader, recommended the book to me. He emphasized its simplicity and relevance to management. I found the concepts easy to correlate with real-world scenarios. The book's core principles - result-driven vs. people-driven management - resonated deeply with me. It reinforced the importance of clear goals, timely feedback, and empathy in effective management.

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Ferdie: Could you share with our readers the three core principles you found most impactful from the "One Minute Manager"?

Krishna: Absolutely. The first principle is "1 minute goals." This is about setting clear, specific goals for individuals. It's a balance of 80% goal setting and 20% result. Effective managers ensure their team understands these goals and expectations. Regular goal reviews allow for corrections and keep everyone focused.

The second principle, "1 minute praise," emphasizes catching people doing something right and providing specific, timely praise. This recognition motivates individuals and boosts morale. Quick feedback steers teams towards accomplishing more.

Lastly, "1 minute reprimand" addresses how to handle mistakes. It involves confirming the facts, focusing on the mistake, and then the individual and their situation. New team members may need redirection. This principle highlights the importance of providing tough feedback balanced with empathy.

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Ferdie: How have you applied these principles in your managerial roles, particularly during high-pressure situations?

Krishna: A standout experience was during my time managing a team for a major customer. We faced issues that could have resulted in a bad outcome. The pressure was immense, working 16 days straight. By being empathetic to my team's stress, I encouraged suggestions on how to improve. This collaborative approach led to a successful turnaround and appreciation from the team.

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Ferdie: That sounds like a challenging yet rewarding experience. What advice would you give to those seeking professional growth as managers?

Krishna: Firstly, embrace feedback as the breakfast of champions. Constructive criticism helps us grow. Secondly, balance being nice and tough. It sets expectations and builds empathy. Lastly, lead from the front. Giving first earns trust and respect from your team.

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Ferdie: Lastly, if you were to reflect on your most memorable career moment, what stands out to you?

Krishna: Moving to a new group to build the testing and validation team was a pivotal moment. It was all new, from processes to products. My goal was to ramp up the team and teach them the validation process. Working alongside them, brainstorming solutions, and leading by example made me feel connected. This experience taught me the value of "giving first" as a manager.

There you have it! One Minute Goal Setting, Feedback, and Reprimand are core principles that Krishna and all aspiring managers must embody to achieve great leadership.