6 Ways to Eliminate Management Inconsistencies

There’s one thing that inconsistent management practices will always deliver — a less than stellar organization. The old adages of “Actions speak louder than words” and “You need to walk the walk and talk the talk” hold a large degree of truth. Here’s how to stay on the path to superb management:

1. Treat Employees Equally – Treat your employees fairly across the board. While it’s wonderful to reward strong work ethic and good employee behavior, be sure you don’t go overboard. And be certain not to set precedence. If you allow an employee to arrive to work late for a year, before you know it, everyone will perceive that it’s OK to never be on time. Address issues as they arise.
2. Establish Clear Goals – In order for your employees to do their best, they need to know your expectations. Map out their job-related goals through open and honest communication. Use clear language and establish check-in points along the way to help steer them. Show them your anticipated outcome for their work from day one.
3. Practice Accountability – Setting goals is an excellent first step, but as a manager, it’s your job to keep them on the right path. Stick to the check-in points that you established when setting goals. Ask for employee input and really listen as they discuss struggles or concerns. Then take a look at your day-to-day actions and see how you can help. If you’ve supported your employees to the best of your ability and they still aren’t performing, it’s time to get more serious. Take appropriate and consistent action when employees do not deliver. Remember the precedence mentioned above? If you don’t want everyone performing in this manner, you must nip it in the bud.
4. Use the Feedback Process – Provide regular employee review sessions. Allow time for them to ask questions and inform you of what they feel would make them more successful. At the same time, you owe them honest feedback and assessment. Employee reviews offer you an opportunity to make sure you have the right people in the right spots, as well.
5. Develop Their Skills – What better way to make your team feel valued than to invest in them! Hear what they want to learn about and observe what you think would benefit them. You can hold workshops and team building activities through an HR consulting firm, enroll in online courses as a group or even hold your own lunch and learns on topics relevant to current projects. These trainings don’t have to be major productions; it’s about making time for your team and showing an interest in their career development.
6. Develop Your Skills – By developing your managerial skills, you’ll be helping your team, as well. Take a leadership class or read a well-known book on leading and motivating. Invest in you. Also take time to regularly assess your style. Are you too hands off? Too much of a friend? Have you been motivating enough? Appropriately delegating? Management styles vary, but evaluating yourself on a regular basis can help guide your personal development decisions.

For more information on building your best team and bringing out your best managerial self, contact The Marlo Company.

The Marlo Company, Inc. is a human resource services organization that develops human capital for businesses to accomplish their mission and increase productivity.