3/28/2006
The Commandments of Good Management
These are based on the principles of “All I really need I learned in kindergarten". Remember this little nugget? It’s a fundamental yet comprehensive list that really encompasses the important things. It really relates to more than just Kindergarten. These “commandments” can also serve you well in the workplace. Read on:
Share everything. Don’t keep your people in the dark. The more they know, the more they can contribute. If you hired them, you should be able to trust them. C’mon, we’re all adults here.
Play fair. Don’t allocate a ridiculous amount of work and then derail your staff or set them up for failure. Additionally, don’t ask your subordinates to do that which you yourself are not willing to do.
Don't hit people. Can you say lawsuit???
Put things back where you found them. Or better yet, when talking about things like confidence and self-esteem, don’t take those at all! Do what you can to build these things in the people that report to you; they’ll respect you for it!
Clean up your own mess. Don’t expect others to correct your mistakes or take the heat for it; act your age and take responsibility.
Don't take things that aren't yours. If your subordinate has a great idea, promote it! You’ll be praised for fostering bright and motivated workers.
Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody. If you’re wrong, admit it. Trying to cover up mistakes only leads to lying and looking like a big jerk. Don’t let anyone else take the fall for it. Think of the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Wash your hands before you eat. This is basic hygiene, folks. Remember when you’re sick to take a sick day – no one wants your germs. Don’t be a martyr.
Flush. See “Clean up your own mess”.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. So is respect and positive reinforcement. Show respect where due and give positive reinforcement to foster a healthy team environment. People will thank you for it later.
Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some. There’s more to life than work. Don’t expect your staff to be at the office till all hours every day. They deserve down-time. Burnt-out employees bring down productivity.
Take a nap every afternoon. If you can’t allow an afternoon siesta, at least be sure that your people have the opportunity to walk away for lunch. They should not be expected to work through it. There comes a time when you just need to step away in order to gain a fresh perspective. Enforce this.
When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together. Don’t throw your employees under the bus. Do for them and they’ll do for you. At least give them the benefit of the doubt.
Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that. Your people are only as good as you train them. Spend the time to mentor your staff and guide them along on their career. When they’re superstars, they’ll have you to thank.
Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we. Like money, you can’t take your knowledge and experience to the grave, so share it!
And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK. Appreciate and support the people that work for you. If they know you’re there for them and see what you do for them, you will gain immeasurable results from them.
photo courtesy of the nice folks at jobschmob.com
Copyright 2006 Pied Piper Consulting
