Everyone has blind spots, areas where he can improve and increase effectiveness and the quality of work. Managers should regularly fire their subordinates who are merely “not bad”. Why are you giving them a false sense of security? At the same time, you could use your time better for your high potentials. The management-issues.com website tries get us to see the truth.
Not accepting your responsibility for results
It is surprisingly common to meet managers who complain about the lack of results. They blame every single external factor, but they forget to think about their own contributions. They blame the economy, the government, the shareholders, the weather… but that is not the real culprit. The role of victim is an easy one. In reality you can effectively affect and change 80% of what gets in your way. Your internal decisions determine your success and the results you need to deliver. You choose your attitude, work ethic and most of the people you spend your time with. Keep in mind that excuses are not reasons – and that your honest and responsible attitude can do wonders.
Not holding others accountable
Accountability helps to create healthy pressure and tension. It motivates workers to perform the tasks they have been selected to do. A manager has to have the courage to set clear expectations and at the same time ensure a challenge, that is a target that will be a bit of a stretch for his team to meet. When performance standards are not met, there have to be consequences. Otherwise the manager puts the productivity of his team at risk.
Lack of fortitude to rock the boat is fatal
Some managers struggle with difficult, but vital decisions. They don’t want to adopt unpleasant measures. As a result they keep making easy, convenient and shortsighted decisions instead. If you really are determined to chase quality and excellence, no matter what your business is, you have to do the right thing. It doesn’t matter whether they are costly, difficult or uncomfortable. Never waste time in denial, trying to find a way to avoid the necessary discomfort you may feel.
-jk-