Juggler!
Have you seen one?
Juggler is the entertainer who continuously tosses objects into the air and catches them so as to keep at least one in the air while handling the others. The entertainer repeats this task a dozen or more times, and then runs around and striving to keep all of the objects in the air without letting any crash to the floor. On many occasions, the role of manager feels a great deal like this "Juggler"
Managers are utilized in every sector, and the business model relies on their leadership and ability to operationalize the management structure
Working as a manager is an accomplishment because it reveals a professional’s ability to successfully lead, oversee multiple business operations, manage stress, and effectively communicate with coworkers.
As a manager of a team; one needs to allocate time to all his or her subordinates. Other than just getting things done; A manager’s role involves helping the subordinates to outperform & grow
If someone in the team is lagging behind, then help him out to perform & bridge that gap; what’s the thought process in doing so? How much efforts you are going to put & allocate your time for each subordinate.
You have only 24 hours in each day & a limited 8-10-hour window of working hours
How you are going to communicate the things to your subordinates? How you communicate with your external customers?
The manager also has to differentiate good to do Vs. Must to do things for the team. The 3 bullet points I can think of are:
- Work plan
- Resource Allocation
- Guts to take hard decisions
Along with these; it is also compulsory to follow company’s norms & make sure his or her subordinates follow the same.
For example, in sales; the manager has to make sure that:
- Right customers are selected for the strategic fit of offerings
- All subordinates are trained properly as per the norms & attend all trainings
- Call reporting is done on time
- All-important data formats are filled & shared by the team members within stipulated time
- All processes are followed
- Targets are met
The boss has to demonstrate & delegate
Another important aspect of being a manager is that the subordinate accepts the lead by his/ her boss. And to do so, one must demonstrate.
If I come to you 2-3 times & still you just say “Dekhta hu”, “Karta hu” & “I am thinking” and nothing moves forward even after 4-5 follow-ups; forget that I will respect you & follow your lead
As managers one needs to be on the toes to get things done without micromanaging the things & without scaring someone about the job. If you do so; let me tell you my friend; there are plenty of companies looking for candidates. If the attrition rate is high under you; sooner or later, your job will also be at stake
You could have been an asskicker at your role; but you have to earn my respect. Then only I follow you! And in doing so, you must know the things better than me.
This is the mind we as a youth have. The manager must know the processes better than me for anything related to work specifications & help me if I am stuck somewhere.
Tip: never sellout your subordinates in front of your boss
we all have bosses above us. and in most of the cases; the bosses boss is the decision maker In such frames, subordinate & the manager has to work as a team. Not demonstrating so, will make you as well as your team look weak. Discuss everything & clear all the doubts if you have any; before scheduling the meeting with your boss + your subordinates.
Asking questions to your subordinate in front of your boss just to show you are better or develop a perception about your subordinate doesn’t work in your boss's mind; will just make thing go south between you & your subordinate
People don’t leave their jobs; they leave their bosses!
We all have heard that saying & have felt in some point or other. If the company or the manager doesn’t add something new to an enthusiastic person’s CV; someone else will.
Keep juggling things & remember those objects you are throwing in the air are your subordinates. It is your responsibility that they don’t fall with one condition;
The Show Must Go On!
These are few do’s & don’ts from my side for the line managers or as I said Jugglers. I am sure you would have your thoughts on the same. Share your thoughts & help me & everyone to learn something from your experiences