Lean Tip #2761 – Communicate Tasks and Processes
Clearly.
Communication is key for any business to run
smoothly. It is critical for everyone in the office to understand the rules and
processes. A successful business encourages employees to let each other know
what they are working on, answer any questions others may have and frequently
report to their managers. Without proper communication and discussion, it is
easy to think others are accomplishing tasks or working on a project when in
reality nobody has touched the project. Communication is critical to ensure all
tasks are accomplished and all work is completed.
Lean Tip #2762 – Conduct Frequent Training on
Processes.
When employees are intimidated by their
workload or a current project, they tend to procrastinate, losing efficiency
and productivity. When they are thoroughly trained in the processes of your
company, they will feel more comfortable and less intimidated by their work.
Even if they receive the same training more than once, it may calm any worries
they have and make them more willing to tackle large and difficult projects.
Lean Tip #2763 – Attack Difficult Tasks First.
You cannot do every task at the same time, so
it's important to prioritize. Doing the most difficult tasks first will allow
you to focus on smaller, less difficult tasks later. At the start of your day,
consider ranking each task in a to-do list according to importance and urgency.
Put the most important projects at the top of your list, checking them off as
you complete them. If a task seems overwhelming, getting rid of it as soon as
possible will ease your mind and reduce that feeling of being consumed by
numerous tasks.
Lean Tip #2764 – Don’t Lose Focus (Eliminate
Interruptions)
Workplace interruptions or distractions come in
all shapes and sizes. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been interrupted
or who interrupts you the most during the day. What matters is how you avoid
workplace interruptions and improve your work performance. Remember, workplace
interruptions are dangerous. They make you lose focus, waste time, and in the
end, disrupt your work management and cause a delay in projects.
If you want to avoid interruptions or
distractions at work, then you need to stay away from your phone or email. Turn
off the notification and keep your eye on successfully completing the tasks at
hand. Also, learn to say “no” when necessary. You can and you must say no to
anything or anyone who can interrupt your day.
Lean Tip #2765 - Acknowledge Your Strengths and
Weaknesses
The word “perfect” is too good to be true. There’s
no way for you to be perfect in everything. We all have weak spots and it’s
important to acknowledge them in order to identify improvement opportunities.
Additionally, every individual has his/her own strengths i.e something that
they are exceptionally good at. Now, in order to bring improvement to your
everyday work performance, you need to cherish your strengths and overcome your
weaknesses at the same time.
Never settle for “quite okay” when you can
achieve “awesome”. Be your own critic and keep evaluating your performance for
potential improvements. If you’re pretty good at something, then do whatever
you can to be the best at it.
Lean Tip #2766 – Leaders Should Be
Growth-Oriented
As a manager, focus on helping your employees
progress – individually and collectively. Get to know your workers on a
personal level so you can help them leverage their interests and talents. Find
what works and what doesn't, and work on identifying and removing obstacles so
your employees can perform at their best.
Consider
a development goal that isn't about the business. Have one goal focused on the
development of a person (or people) on your team that isn't connected to a
business outcome. This could be developing confidence in presenting by sharing
work to a big group or learning a new language.
Lean Tip #2767 – Leaders Should Be Excellent
Communicators
Communication is a driving force behind nearly
everything we do as humans, and being a clear communicator is vital as a
manager. You should set clear expectations for your employees, be transparent
about important topics, and establish guidelines for giving and receiving
feedback.
In order to inspire original thinking, managers
should create an inclusive culture where everyone can voice their concerns, opinions
and ideas. Encourage authenticity and vulnerability by leading by example. Ask
for help. Turn to your team when you're at a loss. Start a conversation, and be
open to wherever it leads.
Lean Tip #2768 - Great Leaders Are Personable
Being a leader means working under pressure,
trying to balance between personal, company and team objectives. There is
always the possibility of getting into incendiary situations especially where
responsibility for team members lies with you, and there are deadlines to be
met. Being personable, which is just another term for great interpersonal
skills, makes it easier to accomplish tasks with help from other team members
and improves the support mechanism during these high-pressure situations. It
also helps you to interact with, manage and balance the different types of
personalities in the office. Moreover, mind the importance of respect in the
workplace.
Lean Tip #2769 - Effective Management Means
Taking Responsibility
Most new managers find it difficult to assume responsibility
when things don’t pan out as they hoped, for example, a late deadline, an
undelivered or under-delivered work item, or a project that didn’t go according
to plan. Whatever the scenario is, it is crucial that you hold yourself to the
same high standards that you hold other team members. If it was a failed team
effort, be the first to assume responsibility instead of shifting blame onto
others. This will make your employees respect you and also stand up for you in
the future.
Lean Tip #2770 - Be at the Forefront of Problem
Solving
Being a manager and a leader requires an
affinity for solving problems and providing direction at the most crucial
times. At an impasse, there is often a tendency by managers to pass on
responsibility to employees, especially when things aren’t going as planned.
Some go as far as hogging all the glory when positive results come back.
Resolving problems requires that you be at the forefront of accountability,
even when things are tough.
Lean Tip #2771 - Study the Principles of
Management Success
You don’t need to be one of those gurus that
have studied hundreds of motivational success books to excel in managing a
team. But you do need to be able to at least pick up finer points from those
who have gone before you on the management route. This will help you know how
to deal with certain situations that arise in the workplace and also how to go
the extra mile when it comes to those life-changing projects.
Lean Tip #2772 - Successful Managing Means
Letting the Reigns Lose Sometimes
Most managers always try to keep a tight check
on things even when they are not in the office. Once you have identified
responsible team members and have delegated accordingly, always give them space
to carry out the mandate you have trusted them with. You chose them because you
trusted their ability to deliver, so now let this play out. At the same time,
you also need rest from the high-pressure work environment, so take all breaks
and personal quality time seriously. Always maintain a healthy work-life
balance if you’re to avoid balking under pressure.
Lean Tip #2773 - Gratitude and Recognition Go a
Long Way
Employees really appreciate genuine and
specific recognition from managers, senior management, and coworkers. They feel
great in their job role and feel appreciated which leads to a happier, more
productive employee – which only means a better bottom line.
Think about it, there are some employees out
there who work in a job that doesn’t pay that great and the role itself might
be mundane but they stay because they love their manager and their coworkers.
Being a good manager means knowing that
gratitude and recognition go a long way.
Never underestimate how powerful saying “Thank
you” or “Well done,” to an employee really is. It’s a great motivator,
sometimes even more than a pay raise or promotion.
Lean Tip #2774 - Welcome New Ideas and
Approaches
Most managers are cautious when taking risks
and trying new methods and approaches. After all, if anything doesn’t pan out
then they’re on the hook. However, welcoming and trying new ideas and
approaches is a huge part of being a good manager.
You have to take controlled risks so the
company can grow. The most successful companies have managers who are flexible,
open to change, can adapt to change and are interested to hear new ideas.
Don’t forget that some of the best ideas out
there may very well lie with your employees! After all, they’re in the thick of
it each and every day so they usually have great ideas when it comes to
improvements or innovations – and it’s important that you listen. By listening
to your employees’ ideas, you help employee retention from going south.
Lean Tip #2775 - Practice Consistency.
Following set processes for certain tasks
within your organization can yield positive results. Optimized processes allow
for repeatability and efficiency, amongst other benefits. But to realize these
benefits, you and your staff must be consistent in following these processes.
Do your part to ensure everyone on your team understands the processes they
should follow. Beyond this, it’s helpful to explain why the processes should be
followed and how abiding by them will lead to positive outcomes.
