Leadership is actually the process of influencing through clear and expressive communication. A good manager guides discussions in an informal way and lets his or her employees experience that their opinion counts and that they can participate in decision-making. He or she is group-oriented and turns the individuals in the company into a group. A group pursuing a common goal. With great emphasis on preserving the individuality of employees.
Leading and communicating
A manager is responsible for his or her people. The manager makes plans and discusses them with the staff. The staff is given the opportunity to exchange views and come to a decision. The manager then ensures that the plans are implemented, by or with the staff. He or she directs the work on those plans and supports the people. This can be by being there, by informing how the implementation of the plan is progressing and by participating in it. He or she coordinates matters and ensures that the staff supports the plans and remains committed to working on them.
If a moment arises when staff encounter problems, communication must take place and any changed plans must be made.
Types of executives
- Initiator: This manager looks for opportunities to realize his own ideas.
- Communications specialist: This manager knows that matters within the company can be arranged by communicating well with the staff. Every member of staff can contribute to the decision-making process.
- Main business manager: He sticks to the main points and delegates the detailed matters. Staff are given their own responsibilities to tackle issues. The manager directs the staff and does not remain isolated in his or her office.
- Problem solver: Problems with staff or problems within the company are discussed and resolved quickly.
- Goal-oriented manager: This manager knows how to turn individuals into a group and clarify that goals are common goals. This manager knows how to utilize the qualities of individual employees for the company.
- Interested manager: He or she is interested in the staff. This manager knows what is going on in the workplace and is concerned with personal interests. He or she is involved with the staff.
SMART
Managers are expected to work towards goals. In the 1990s, the SMART idea came into vogue among technicians and manufacturers. According to this method, goals can be clearly set.
- The S specifically
- The M measurable
- the A acceptable
- the R realistic
- the T time-bound
Specifically
The goal must be stated specifically. The www scheme is used for this: What do we want, when do we want to achieve it, what is the most important thing, why do we want this?
Measurable
The goal must be measurable. There must also be a measuring instrument to measure it.
Acceptable
Both the manager and his or her staff must accept the objective. Only then will we have to work hard for it.
There must be participation and the goal must be formulated jointly.
Realistic
The goal must be achievable. Can the staff achieve the goal together? Is there sufficient capacity for this, in terms of know-how and in terms of the number of people and possibilities? A goal set too high or a goal that is too easy to achieve will not provide sufficient satisfaction.
Time-bound
A clear start and end date or time must be set in advance.
MAGIC
Similar to the SMART method, there is also the MAGIC method.
- The M stands for measurable
- The A stands for acceptable
- The G stands for communicated
- The I stands for inspiring
- the E stands for engaging
The good leader
For all those who lead or will lead:
What goals are set? Are they feasible, measurable, is there a time limit set for them and have they been properly discussed with the staff, not to the staff?
A good manager is an initiator, a person who can solve problems. He or she communicates extensively with staff, both formally and informally. The manager sets realistic goals that are also considered achievable by the staff. He or she coordinates and delegates. He or she knows the qualities of the individual staff members and uses them.
The good manager knows what is going on on the work floor, recognizes problems and solves them with the staff. He or she is interested in the employees and involved in what drives them. Without cooperative employees, a manager is nowhere.
Leadership can be learned. It is mainly based on good interaction with the staff.
read more
- Norms, leadership, communication and position in the group
- Writing, the how and why of communicating on paper