Some managers assume people know what to do, what to say, what to wear, how to behave, etc. Some managers don’t even think about such expectations until someone disappoints him. He may be surprised by it. Or even angry. Often taking it as a personal affront.
Sometimes though, he is hesitant to say anything to the offenders. He may put it off until the behavior is repeated. Again. And again. Pushing the manager’s patience until he erupts. Now the offender is offended! Maybe even angry that the manager didn’t say something sooner. A chain of unfortunate events. Each one wasting precious time and energy. Each one a ding or even a gouge in productivity and morale.
Easy to see the truth in our Quote of the Week: #1 Killer of Productivity.
What if the manager could think things through, determine expectations and share them with people in advance?
Here’s a great example from a Business Class interview with Joy Hakan, who worked with several different chancellors at UNC Chapel Hill and with her husband, Joe, who was a successful architect and business man. In the interview, Joy shared many stories about managers and leaders she had observed over the years – stories from which the rest of us could learn – helping us be better managers.
One of the stories was about the first day of work on a project Joe designed – The Dean E. Smith Center (AKA The Dean Dome), home of men’s basketball at Carolina. Before work started, Joe gathered all the contractors together and told them that he didn’t want to see a single hat or tee shirt or sweatshirt from N.C. State or any other school.
While on the job, each worker was expected to show loyalty to UNC – Chapel Hill, and each was given a “Blue Heaven” hat which was worn on the job. Some balked at first, but later understood that it was Carolina paying the bills and so Carolina should receive loyalty in return.
You can listen to her tell the story here.
A great example of the boss making expectations clear from the start. Better for productivity and morale.
copyright 2010 – Business Class Inc
More resources to help you make expectations clear so that you get BETTER Results:
