Eisenhower wrote "Leadership is the ability
to get a person to do what you want, when you want it done, in the way
you want it done because they want to." This is quite a tall order.
So how do you ensure you are getting the best from your people?
All managers and leaders have a principal
management style. Hardly anyone displays the characteristics of only one
style to the exclusion of others.
Here are two styles for you to compare yourself against.
The controller
Leader
"You must do it my way" attitude
Communicates a vision that excites and leads by example
Obtains power and expects respect by position
Obtains power and respect by merit and credibility
Believes employees cannot be trusted and closely supervises
work undertaken by subordinates.
Respects and trusts his or her people regardless of their
status
Manages work group(s) rather than teams
Builds strong team cohesion and encourages team to contribute
ideas.
Will not delegate
Will delegate to be more effective and develop ownership of
tasks in others.
Maintains same management style regardless of the situation
Will adjust management style to the situation.
Think about which style you adopt most of the
time.
Then consider whether your style motivates or
stifles growth potential in individuals. If in doubt, ask them!
Treat all your employees as individuals and
try and understand each of their needs.
Adjust your management style not just to suit
the situation but also the individual
About Tip for the Top
Tip for the Top is published in "Suffolk Business
Magazine" where Lina Hogg is a regular contributor.
Effective management of its people is critical to the success of an organisation. When people are well managed they feel committed, on board, motivated and productive. At work we all need to know how we are doing and we would rather know of our mista
