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6 tips for effective management

Managing staff effectively is vital: well-managed employees are productive, enthusiastic, confident and feel secure in their roles.

While the circumstance of each business will determine the specifics of how the employees are managed, here are some important aspects to consider. Effective management is easy if done right.

1. Hierarchies and structure

The employee and management hierarchy is very important: it identifies who is responsible for performing which tasks and for assuring that work gets done. Department managers must oversee employees’ work and point out successes and difficulties, while employees should rely on their managers to steer their work. Effective management structures streamline the workflow.

A hierarchy can be quite prominent and clear, or it can be flatter, where managers engage daily with employees in an open way. This can be reflected in the physical layout of the office, depending on the company’s needs and purpose. In professional environments, such as legal practices, managers can work in closed, separate offices.

Young, media-focused companies, however, may benefit from an open plan layout, where employees and employers share the same space and can interact easily.

2. The tools for the job

Vitally, employees must have all the physical and personal tools to be able to carry out their work. This includes proper, functioning equipment, a space in which to work, employer and management support, access to the necessary complementary skills and adequate training. This important category also includes the employee’s induction – their introduction to the company in the first week of work. Induction, which is often overlooked, is absolutely critical, because it allows the new employee to assimilate to their role, position in the company, colleagues and working conditions comfortably. Without it, employees are thrown in the deep end and may struggle to find their place.

3. Define the job

A good manager will ensure that each employee is absolutely clear on the scope and specifications of their job. An employee who understands their assigned role can work without constant support and hand-holding. As the job changes over time, there should always be a clear channel of communication about the employee’s evolving role in the company.

4. Review, appraise, communicate

It’s important for managers to keep up with the needs, concerns and successes of their employees. It is extremely beneficial to have regular performance appraisals, where employer and employee can touch base, discuss any issues that have arisen and re-evaluate the employee’s responsibilities. In addition to this, the manager must create a forum for discussion in the company – this can be as simple as always discussing and attending to employees’ concerns as they arise. Finally, it is vital for employee satisfaction to have an annual salary review; whenever possible, good employees should be financially compensated for the value they add to the company.

5. Office culture

The manager is the person who all employees look to to provide the company direction; therefore, the manager must set a good example of appropriate office culture. Factors such as work ethic, formality, enthusiasm and collaboration filter down from the manager and affect the employees. The manager should make sure that everybody feels that they are working towards a common goal, and should engender trust and open communication.

6. Reward

The final point is simple: reward your employees for their good work and dedication. This doesn’t have to take the form of financial compensation. Hold office events, give employees time off (for example, over the World Cup for important matches), offer perks that make the employee’s day more enjoyable (for example, by providing a catered lunch). Happy employees that feel appreciated are guaranteed to work better and harder – which is the employer’s and manager’s ultimate aim.

The University of Cape Town (Law@Work) Practical Labour Law course starts on 6 September 2010. For more information call Abby on 021 685 4775 or email abby@getsmarter.co.za or visit www.getsmarter.co.za

 

 
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