Are you suffering from too much work, not enough time, and (heaven forbid) your employees need guidance to do their jobs?
Good news, bad news, the same news: Get used to it.
I hear push back from managers about how aggravating their employees are, especially because they are so busy with their “other” work. This is intriguing to me, because managing staff is a major component of their jobs.
This is a time management problem as much as anything. If you’re struggling with this issue, first think about (objectively) how much of your time is optimally spent managing your team.
After you’ve identified this, consider the best way to handle it. One manager might prefer one-on-one time with each employee, while another prefers group meetings. Some people informally walk around a few times a day, while others prefer more formal encounters. Put it in your calendar, if necessary.
Pick what works best for you. The important thing is that if you’re a manager, you need to manage. Excuses such as “they should know how to do their jobs” or “it would be easier if I did it myself” don’t work.
You can’t survive as a team of one, and it’s your job to give the guidance and direction needed. Some employees need the affirmation that they’re going in the right direction. Others may need more handholding.
And don’t forget to check in with the ones who seem self-reliant and self-starting. Just because they require less time and attention doesn’t mean that they can’t benefit from your guidance.
If managing was easy, everyone would do it. Take some time to develop a proactive path that will get you – and your team -where you want to go.
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
— Stephen Covey
Header image by Mizuno K/Pexels.
