What do Managing and Parenting Have in Common?
- Author Lisa Giruzzi
- Published November 25, 2010
- Word count 532
I guess it depends on who you ask. If you survey a bunch of managers,
chances are a large number of them will say they often feel they have to be
parent-like and they do not mean this in a good way. They usually mean it in
a diminishing way; they think their employees are like children and need
constant supervision or they will get into trouble, or goof off, or be
irresponsible, etc.
If you survey employees they will likely say their managers act too much like
parents again not in a good way. They report their managers are overbearing,
controlling, restrictive, often treating them like children.
Now if you ask most managers and employees how they wish it would be that
would be a different story. I know because I have asked lots of managers and
employees how they want it to be at work. Managers want their employees to
act like adults and employees want to be treated like mature, capable adults.
Managers want to be able to trust their employees to get their job done and
employees want to be trusted. Managers want employees to be accountable and
employees want to be given a chance to show their stuff and take ownership
for their successes and failures. Managers want a team that works well
together and employees want to contribute to and be part of something
worthwhile.
All these wants are outcomes of great managing and great parenting. Someone
once said, "A farmer doesn't grow crops. A farmer creates an environment
where crops can grow." This statement is also true for both great parents
and great managers. Great managers and great parents create a culture where
there is freedom to grow, it is safe to take risks, to learn and enhance your
capacities.
Here are some of the key attributes that lead to the kind of culture where
extraordinary performance can show up:
- Creating a compelling vision so employees can feel a part of something
important and worthwhile.
- Offer opportunities for employees to be challenged so they learn and
stretch their capacities.
- Foster collaborative relationships where power is shared and all opinions
are valued.
- Cultivate the talents and strengths of your team allowing them to give
their best towards something meaningful.
- Recognize and appreciate employees for their contributions to the whole
and for their individual accomplishments.
-
Share relevant information freely.
-
Trust your team and believe in their ability to provide extraordinary
performance.
Are there exceptions to these principles? Probably, but if you manage for
the exceptions i.e. trying to avoid what you don't want you will miss the
opportunity to get what you want. You will alienate your staff, have gossip,
resistance and experience huge frustration.
If, on the other hand, you shift your way of thinking to some version of,
"My employees are awesome people with extraordinary potential," and you
operate consistent with that belief, you will be amazed at the results they
achieve. And, if by some small chance you come across a "problem child"
employee, rather than react like a bad parent, you will be armed with the
capacity to transform them into a contributing member of the team. Now
that's a great manager!
Lisa Giruzzi is an author, speaker and consultant who has been called
America's Leading Communication Authority for Managers and Supervisors.
She has spent the last 26 years helping people to be more successful through
effective communication. The author of two books, she recently published a
FREE Special Report on "The 5 Most Common Mistakes Managers and Supervisors
Make and How to Avoid Them," which is available at her website:
http://www.YourCommunicationAuthority.com.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Boosting Lead Generation with Effective Local Search Marketing Strategies
- Unlocking Efficiency: How Payroll Outsourcing Can Save You Time and Money
- Unveiling the BCG Growth-Share Matrix: A Strategic Tool for Portfolio Analysis
- Project Managers & Stakeholders: Channels of Communication
- Closed Cell Insulation: Your Ultimate Guide
- Leading A Successful Project In A Turbulent Time
- Project Planning
- A Manager's Perspective - Dynamics of the private education industry
- Permanent or Temporary Staffing: Which One Is Right for Your Business?
- Crafting Corporate Culture: Empowering Teams for Success and Fostering Diversity through Strategic Partnerships
- Elevate Business Operations in the UAE | Connect Resources Your Trusted Employer of Record Partner
- Thinking Outside the Box: How Divergent Thinking Boosts Creativity
- The Ultimate Guide to Launching Your Dream Glamping Business
- The Impact of Agile Leadership on Team Enhancement
- Top Strategies for Boosting Your Construction Team's Performance
- Elevating Corporate Success through Relationship Asset Management (RAM): The Chief Relationship Officer's Vital Role
- 5 Strategies for Becoming an Inspiring Leader
- Are you a Leader—or a Dinosaur?
- Networking—Basic things to know
- Lessons from a Farmer
- Think like an Entrepreneur
- Maximising ROI at Your Next Corporate Event
- Hiring Your Leadership Team: The Best Traits for the Best Employee Experience
- Reqi: Your Ultimate Requirements Management Tool
- Hiring Insights and Tips from a COO with a Psychoanalytic Mindset
- Micromanagement Stifles Creativity and Growth
- TIKTOK INFLUENCER MARKETING
- Innovate or Stagnate: Why Business Model Transformation is Non-Negotiable.
- Creating a successful Trade show in 2023
- Air Lift Performance: Elevating Your Driving Experience with Air Suspension