Dear Readers,
As a manager, I have come to realize that managing people is one of the hardest things in the world. Each person is different, with their own unique set of strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. It takes a deep understanding of each person's needs and goals to be able to lead them effectively.
One of the key challenges in managing people is recognizing that everyone is different. What motivates one person may not motivate another. Some people thrive on praise and recognition, while others prefer to work quietly behind the scenes. As a manager, it is my responsibility to get to know each person on my team and understand what drives them.
Another challenge is recognizing that each person needs individual attention. It can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks of managing a team and overlook the importance of spending one-on-one time with each person. However, taking the time to listen to their concerns, provide feedback, and offer support can go a long way in building a strong relationship with them.
Sometimes, being a manager means taking on multiple roles. You may need to be a friend, a mom or sister, and a boss all at once. Navigating these different spaces can be challenging, and it is important to create boundaries while also being vulnerable and human.
One of the hardest parts of managing people is knowing when to park your own stuff and focus on taking care of others. As a manager, you need to be able to put your own needs aside and focus on the needs of your team. This can be difficult, especially when you are dealing with personal issues of your own.
Managing people is an incredibly difficult but rewarding task. It takes time, patience, and a deep understanding of each person's unique needs and motivations. As a manager, I strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment for my team while also being a strong leader. It is a balancing act, but one that I am proud to take on each day.
Here are some of my favorite strategies to manage the best people on my team:
Check in on a personal level: Take the time to check in with your team members on a personal level. Ask about their families, hobbies, and interests. Show genuine interest in their lives outside of work.
Conduct quality appraisal sessions: Set aside quality time during appraisal sessions to review their progress and provide feedback. Use this opportunity to help them identify challenges and create a plan to overcome them.
Send tokens of appreciation: Send a small token of appreciation to show your team members that you value their hard work. This could be a personalized note, a gift card, or a small gift.
Celebrate successes in front of peers: When your team members achieve success, celebrate it in front of their peers and colleagues. This will not only boost their morale but also encourage others to work hard and achieve their own goals.
Plan career development: Work with each team member to create a career development plan. Identify their strengths and weaknesses and provide opportunities for growth and advancement. This will show them that you are invested in their success and help them reach their full potential.
I often read your newsletters and they are amazing. I've also wrote on self motivation.