Best Practice Spotlight
Erin Robbins , Vice President of Financial Operations Turn 14 Distribution Inc New managers in my training program are focused on the 3 Cs: Communication, Clear Expectations and Care.
Communication Communication is critical to any business relationship but is the most important ingredient to productive manager-staff rapport. A new manager should define their communication channels and make clear to the team how information will be delivered. This includes availability for impromptu needs, designated time for undivided attention, and vehicles for delivery of broader company initiatives and cross- department messaging. Communication should be clear and consistent in format and prompt in delivery. Communication should also include constructive feedback by way of ad hoc conversations, routine and formalized performance evaluations, and big-picture discussions about career growth and reach opportunities.
Clear Expectations Nearly every challenge facing a first-time manager can return to one core concept — Did you set clear expectations? The foundation for every business transaction relies on clarity in expectations. By setting clear expectations with staff, managers provide a roadmap to success - what are the steps to complete a task, satisfy a functional need, and maintain a timeline? Conceptually, this may seem simple but requires discipline to execute consistently. For every new staff member, a manager has the opportunity to lay the ground rules for their working relationship. For me, this includes the expectation that staff members ask questions about the “why” behind our processes and share their ideas about operational alternatives.
12 I ACHIEVENEXT HELPING YOUR MANAGERS SUCCEED
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