Managing people effectively is challenging for any leader. The goal is to increase the ‘bottom line’ for your organization while also keeping your team engaged, fulfilled, and one step closer to achieving their own personal goals. Being a leader can be a really rewarding experience where you mentor individuals to achieve success.
Do have realistic expectations and communicate them effectively
There are still some managers who believe that their word is law and should be followed to the letter without hesitation or argument. The modern workforce understands their worth and knows that being talked to rather than talked at will get the best performance out of them. Especially after the COVID-19 lockdowns, individuals are realizing that they can and prefer to work with flexibility and autonomy. This has led to a unique trend that hasn’t happened in a long time: a shortage of talented employees available for hire.
As an operations manager, you need to be able to communicate your expectations clearly. It doesn’t just end there though. Communication is a two-way street, and you need to know that your workforce doesn’t just understand what the expectations are, but also believes them to be realistic and the best course of action. So, communicate clearly and be willing to listen.
Do encourage leadership in your workforce
Another benefit of this process is that it gives you a good indication of those on your team who have the potential to be a leader themselves. A good manager knows that the best way to move up is to help others achieve their potential. This includes encouraging your workforce to further their education to gain the necessary skills to move up. This can be done through a Master in Operations Management, which is possible to attain online. It can also be done through smart succession planning to help your team, including giving them some time for courses and advocating on their behalf for the company to pay for their schooling.
Do make efficiency the priority
Your team is the best place to turn to in order to assess how you run your business and where the inefficiencies are. By examining how the company delivers products and services, and brainstorming how to make the system more efficient, you can help increase the bottom line. If the organization makes more money, then the savings can be invested in new innovations and financial rewards for the workforce.
Question the status quo
Your job as an operations manager is to work toward a common goal with your staff that is attainable and good for the organization. Your people are a resource, and the best way to help your company is to create a positive and effective working environment.
