Sounds of Sinai

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March  7, 2007

 

Management With A Heart

 

We often manage, lead or boss by the whip.  We know that all those people who we lead would do their jobs better if they would just get their acts together and try harder.  We tell them constantly of their shortcomings.  For their failures we shun them with rejection or eventual firing.    

 

The first step to be a leader is to know the entire job to be done is yours and yours alone.  You are fully responsible for its correct completion.  If it is too big for you (it usually is) then YOU need help.  This immediately gives you the right attitude about those who work for you (to help YOU).  You are happy to see them and will aid them anyway you can to get YOUR job done.    

 

Accreditation -      Match the person to the job.     

 

The person must feel they are matched and appropriate for the job.   If they are not, then you must change the person or the job.  If the job calls for a typist at 40 words per minute and the person cannot type, change the job to a typist trainee at 2 words per minute.    

 

The moment they start the job they must feel - I am qualified and able to do this.  I can make a valuable contribution.  If the job cannot be changed, never allow a mismatched person to work at it.   It is grossly unfair to the person and rarely produces anything of  value.  Sometimes the only qualification necessary for a job is that you show up and are willing to try.  The person must feel they match the needs of the job and are valuable immediately.    

 

Anticipation -       Plan and prepare to meet their needs.

 

You must anticipate the needs for the job.  You must see the job from the point of view of the worker.  They are nervous, excited, hopeful and need many things that you must supply.  Prepare for their needs because they are important.     

 

Accommodation -      Supply the worker.   

 

Workers need instruction and training.  They need constant guidance.  They need appropriate tools.  They need to feel equipped to do a correct and important job.  They frequently equate the value of their effort with the value of tools or training invested with them.  They understand that if no one cares HOW they do something, ultimately no one cares WHAT they do.    

 

 

 

Inspiration -        Communicate a sense of importance and worth.

 

Workers must understand why the job is important to you and how they will contribute a very valuable part to its success and completion.  They SHOULD NOT be burdened with YOUR job, but are offered a chance to help you do YOUR job.  You must tell them you are happy for their help, because the job is too big for you to do  alone.    

 

Animation -          SHOW the job is important to you.  

 

They must see you in action doing the job.  Your sincerity in the value of the job is revealed by your physical involvement in accomplishing the task.  They should see you working like the whole  job depended on you getting it done - which it does.  They are inspired when they see the task is too great for you but you are committed to it.  They will subconsciously set their commitment and pace to your own.  If it is important and urgent - your actions will show it - and they will respond.  

 

Affirmation -        Communicate frequently.     

 

They must hear frequently that they are doing a correct and good job.  They must receive correction as an aid rather than a rebuke.   They want to do their part of the job well, and you must confirm with confidence they are doing well.    

 

Appreciation -       Reward generously and often.    

 

Sincerely tell them you could not have done the job without them, and you are very thankful they helped you.  Tell them their efforts were valuable and successful.  Indicate how happy you are every time they arrive that you will not have to complete YOUR job alone.   Generously provide whatever reward you have available to give them,  but never under estimate the value of your sincere thank you.         

 

This management technique is not for everyone.  It requires a compassionate heart and a sincere commitment to a job well done.  It requires an understanding that if a job is not accomplished, the workers are not to blame - they are helpers.  YOU are responsible for completing YOUR task.  It will always make you respect and appreciate those who help you do it.