Matrix management is dead? Nope – some people are dealing with two managers, as if one wasn’t enough. There are problems with that, of course, outlined here with a few solution ideas too.
It’s time to stop the “leaders are special people” conversation and pay attention to what is actually happening throughout the hierarchy of organizations. Putting a halo on the people at the very top, or on people of certain “types” or “styles” is not useful. Management is necessary and valuable, and managers are worth hearing, honoring and supporting.
What makes a good worker? Here is a collection of criteria from seven different types of organization, where Supervisors – not Managers – defined four levels of employees.
I got some feedback on where people “put their promises”. It is useful to see that we have many ways to manage our agreements, some smarter than others. But putting them on a schedule makes sure we have a time and place for them. If you have a better system, please let me know and I will publish it!
Where do you put the promises you make to other people? Do you simply hope you will remember them – or do you record them where they will remind you to honor them? Your reputation depends on your answers.
Do what you say you’ll do. It’s worth your credibility and reputation – and that’s pretty much the foundation of all your relationships.
When we make excuses and blame others for our actions, our credibility suffers. It’s smarter to clarify the expectations others and take responsibility for our commitments.
Change – organizational or personal – requires a few basics. Commitment, of course. Respect, certainly. And closure – regular status checks to stay on track and support success. Takes a bit of extra time, but it is a good investment.
Did you ever see the TV show “Restaurant Impossible”? An hour of interesting communication that saves a restaurant and sometimes saves a family too. But my favorite moment is at the very end, when the show is over, and some guy – while they are turning off the final credits – says “That’s done!” He has […]
A local college teacher called last night and asked if I had another recommendation for a technical support person to help with his Public Speaking class, because the first guy I recommended wasn’t working out. Here’s how that dialogue went… Me: “What happened to Ed? I thought he was your guy for that?” Teacher: “Ed […]
Awarded "Best Management Book" by 800-CEO-READ.
Rated #5 "Best Business Book" by The Toronto Globe and Mail.