All successful managers have something in common, they know the status of their area of responsibility, know about solidarity and motivation within their team and know exactly where they stand themselves.
It does not matter whether you work in line management, as project manager, within change management or in another management role, the basis for your success is again and again transparency. The reason is, that you need clarity about how it is in all relevant perspectives, then the required ease develops in order to be successful.
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How is it within my area of responsibility?
Here as first you need to gain clarity where you can see that everything is all right and what is much more important, where you can see early, that something starts to get out of hand. Metaphorically speaking you should constantly see yourself as captain within the cockpit of a huge aircraft. You cannot steer every detail yourself, but measurement instruments and easily readable displays are required in order to know about heading, speed etc. And steering instruments and mechanisms are needed in order to intervene if required. Ideally you involve your team. On one hand certitude raises that nothing is overlooked. On the other hand employees know why they take specific action. And it brings esteem to the employees, which raises their motivation.
How is it within my team?
Here you should grow a relationship to all team members, in order that you know how they feel. Is each one motivated? Are all employees getting along with each other? How are weaker ones dealt with? About those and similar themes clarity is needed, because, only if everything is all right within the team you can 100% rely on it. If you lead a huge unit this is of course not quite plain. In this case it is suggested to be present at all levels on a regular basis and to be accessable for all employees no matter at which level they work. If employees feel that their management is tangible and understands them and also their matters, then you have achieved in this area already a big success. In return your employees will engage for you and stand behind you.
How is it with myself?
Here it is about inner balance, professional career planning, roles and industries that fit for you and the like. This is for many people the most difficult theme. Despite it is necessary to be clean with yourself, having rounded off the past, to feel well in the current role and to take much pleasure in your work.
Looking ahead on a successful 2017 dear managers!