Management Tips for 2 years and up.

Whether you are raising a two year old or managing a 30 year old, they are both people who can be inspired to achieve and exceed expectations when given the opportunity. Of course, it takes a little patience and a lot of time, so here are a few suggestions for helping your team succeed.

• Set Boundaries: I don't have to explain why boundary setting is important for a 2 year old, but it is also important for managers and their reports. Boundaries are what help a manager release an employee to work with a level of autonomy, and not feel the need to micromanage. By setting guidelines, the manager can give an employee room to execute the way they believe is best. This disciplined freedom will usually produce higher quality results because the employee feels like they have personal ownership over the outcome. Essentially, help your employees feel like they have a vested interest in the success of your team.
• Vary the Goals: I am currently working on teaching my son to site identify his letters and numbers, but at the same time I still teach him more complex topics, like states and capitals. At 2.5 years old, he is not remembering his states and capitals, but it is pushing him toward that next milestone. Employees also need a mix of achievable and stretch goals. The achievable goals give them a win that motivates them to push toward a stretch goal. Success breeds success.
• Give Words of Affirmation: My son glows when I tell him how proud I am of him and his progress. He feeds off of my praise and affirmation--it makes him feel valued. Take the time to slow down and offer words of encouragement to your employees. Positive reinforcement of ideal behavior or results will build a strong rapport between you and your team. People also do not want to let down those they feel close to, so they will produce better results. Basically, treat others how you want to be treated, and make sure they know you value their contributions.
• Manage Expectations: My son wants to go to the zoo every day, but that is not going to happen. At the beginning of the week, I lay out our game plan. He knows that the zoo is part of the week, but that there are other activities as well. Employees also need to have an idea of what will be happening in the future. Operating in the unknown causes employees anxiety and can create rumors about the future that can negatively impact productivity. This is especially necessary during an aquisition--change management is make or break for companies during periods of transition.
• Discipline When Necessary: I hate giving time outs or reprimanding my son for bad behavior, but I know it is necessary for long term success. It can be equally as challenging to correct an employee when expectations are not being met or behavior is out of line. Be consistent and fair with how you correct, but also understand that there are times when grace may need to be extended. The changes may not be immediate, but consistency pays off in the long run.
• Encourage Breaks: When my two year old gets overwhelmed, he tends to act out. Adults also have a tendency to revert back to this two year old behavior when they feel overwhelmed or overworked. Encourage your team to use their PTO, take their lunch break, etc. Everyone needs time to clear their head and reset in order to play well with others.
• Keep the Lines of Communication Open: My two year old loves to talk all the time...I mean all the time. Despite my desire for peace and quiet, I do my best to listen, engage, and respond to him to keep the lines of communication open as he grows older. The healthiest relationships are those where people feel comfortable in confiding with you. You want your employees to approach you on all topics, so make sure you cultivate an environment where candor (with respect) is valued.

At the end of the day managing people is not complex, but it does take time, consistency, grace, and support. At their core most people have an innate desire to succeed, so it is up to managers to build up individuals who want are persistent, hard working, devoted, and team players. By taking time to mentor people you can build a team that delivers with the greatest levels of excellence time and time again.