Where do managers’ responsibilities lie? What takes priority and what should be secondary? Understanding the hierarchy of management responsibilities and obligations is fundamental to the success of any team. The importance of one task over another might vary by industry, organization, and culture but these ten management responsibilities will always be key.
10 Activities of Responsible Managers
Gets the Job Done
Whether it’s production, design, installation, or sales, the bottom line responsibility of any manager is to produce and to do consistently as well as profitably. There may be nothing more important than getting the job done, but that’s not always true. For example, completing the job but losing valuable employees in the process isn’t a good strategy. Likewise, finishing a task but not to the satisfaction of a client isn’t the best plan.
Builds a Team
Without a productive team, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to get ‘er done. Team building begins with good hiring practices and a commitment to continuous improvement. “Building a great team takes time, trial and error, and patience. So… how do you build a great team? It begins with the interview process by hiring people of character who fit the culture, and who fill a role on the team.” — 13 Steps to Building a Great Team.
Never Stops Training
Training should cover policies, procedures, and best practices, and it should be formatted to fit the learning style of each trainee. “Achieving your business and personal goals is directly connected to the team you build through dedicated recruiting and ongoing training. One of the keys to becoming a trainer that builds a high preforming team, is learning how not to train people.” — How not to Train.
Creates a Positive Environment
To get the most out of people, you must make the workplace a place where people want to be — not one they dread. Do this by being transparent, helpful, and honest. Become a boss that teammates can talk one that is in touch with his or her team. Can a Boss be a Friend?
Follows Procedures
A ‘do as I say not as I do’ manager is destructive because not following any procedure means all procedures are open to interpretation. So, be a manager who leads by example in procedures, ethics, and thought processes.
Shares a Vision
Share a vision. People want to know their work has a purpose and that it has meaning. So show them what they do matters, and why it does.
Motivates
The best teams complete tasks not because they have to, but because they want to. Motivation isn’t one size fits all. People are different and so is what motivates them. So, if you want to learn what motivates someone — ask them. “The first key to motivating anyone is to understand WHAT motivates him or her. Too often, well-intentioned leaders attempt motivating their team with what motivates the leader. What motivates the leader seldom motivates every individual on a team. And to complicate matters people combine motivational factors.” — Are You a Motivator?
Holds Teammates Accountable
Part of a manager’s job is to hold the team accountable. Excusing team members for poor performance doesn’t help anyone. Avoiding accountability for fear of conflict doesn’t help, it makes it worse, and it’s unfair. “To hold someone accountable, they must first understand the expectations. Clear cut plans of action, as well as the expected results, must be defined and communicated…” How to Hold Yourself Accountable to Accountability.
Delegates
No manager can do it all alone. The manager who tries to do it all severely limits the team’s ability to produce. And delegation is central to leadership development. How to Delegate Even When You Don’t Want to.
Supports Good Customer Service
Every department, team, and manager impacts customer service. Regardless whether the manager has direct contact with customers what he or she and their team does affects clients.
What Are Your Management Priorities?
It’s good to know your management responsibilities and priorities. However, what’s even more crucial is knowing if your priorities are well-placed. For example, I’ve seen managers work long, hard, productive hours on tasks that might be better suited to being delegated. Are You Working on or in Your Business? Is it time to take a hard look at your management priorities and responsibilities? Are your priorities in order?
How Can I Help You?
I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me.
So, does your business have a management training plan? Because, if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.
