OFW guide: 10 management mistakes to avoid

If you think it's easy to be a manager, you're dead wrong.

 

Managing people is a difficult and stressful job as one has to deal with people of various personalities.

 

The information site “Mind Tools” cited common management mistakes:

 

(1) Not giving prompt feedback

 

Giving feedback is one of the most important things that a manager can do to help an employee improve himself. The manager must give feedback as soon as possible to help the employee become aware of his or her mistakes and avoid these in the future.

 

Tip: While giving immediate feedback is essential, managers must be sensitive to the feelings of their employees. As much as possible, managers should avoid embarrassing their employees in front of other people.

 

(2)  Lack of ‘team time’

 

A manager has countless tasks to accomplish in a day. However, it is essential for a good manager to set aside enough time for his or her team.

 

Although a manager has to deliver, his or her people must always come first. They need your support and guidance to accomplish the team's tasks.

 

Tip: Conducting brief but efficient meetings regularly will be productive for the team.

 

(3) Being too “hands-off”

 

Leaving your subordinates to work by themselves is a good thing as it shows your trust in them.

 

However, you must also check on them every once in a while to see how they are doing — if they are on the right track or if they need a little guidance to accomplish their tasks.

 

Tip: Always strive to keep the balance. Don’t be too hands-on or -off.

 

(4) Being too friendly

 

Being friendly to your team members is generally a good thing. Work becomes easier if everyone is in good terms with one another.

 

 

Tip: Managers must learn to set clear boundaries with their employees. You must let your employees know that while you are friends, you will always maintain your integrity as a boss. You must not allow your friendship to affect the tough decisions you have to make.

 

(5) Not having clear goals

 

When a team has no clear goals or objectives for the day, the staff tend to be inefficient and unproductive.

 

You must set tasks for the day and ensure that your staff accomplishes these.

 

Tip: Do your best to communicate clearly the tasks that you want your subordinates to accomplish.

 

(6) Banking only on monetary motivation

 

For most of your employees, money may be a major reason to work. However, not all people draw their inspiration from cold hard cash.

 

To increase productivity, a manager should tap on all the possible things that could inspire his or her team to work better.

 

Tip: Some of the things that could motivate your employees are: achievement, trust, extra responsibility, praise, or even a simple pat on the back.

 

(7) Rushed recruitment

 

While it is important to fill all the positions in your team, there's no reason to rush the process of finding the right person for the job as you could end up making a bad decision.

 

Recruitment is a sensitive process that should not be rushed. Rushed recruitment usually results in a ‘wrong hire’ who may end up resigning if he or she feels the job is not right.

 

Tip: A manager must be involved in the recruitment process, at least during the final interview especially if the hired person will be working directly under you.

 

(8) Not being a good role model

All eyes are on the manager. The team always observes you — your attitude, the rules you follow or break, and every minor and major thing you do. Mind Tools said "your team is watching you all the time. If you want to shape their behavior, start with your own. They'll follow suit."

 

Tip: The example that you set will be followed by your team so don’t expect to have a productive team if you are a lousy manager yourself.

 

(9) Not delegating

 

Managers need to delegate responsibilities properly and trust that his employees will do the job right.   

A manager who fails to delegate will be burned out with the workload that he or she needs to accomplish.

 

Tip: Learn to delegate tasks and trust that your employees will do their best to accomplish these. Otherwise, you'll lose the chance to lighten your load by having your employees help you reach objectives.

 

(10) Misunderstanding your role

 

If you have just been promoted to a manager, you may need time to adapt to your new role.

 

A manager has to lead and manage.

 

Tip: Learn to call the shots as a boss. While you have to get feedback from your employees to make a good decision, the final call depends on you. Do not be afraid to make tough decisions if it will be for everybody's good. - VVP, GMA News