The Basics of Management
Management involves a collective effort to achieve a common goal. It’s a method of getting things done systematically. Management is an essential component in any organization, profit or non-profit. As a result, every successful organization has a good management team that aids in their success.
The Functions of Management
Managers use skills such as planning, directing, and motivating to guide employees in carrying out their assigned tasks. Managers don’t necessarily produce output themselves; instead, they rely on their teams or subordinates to get the job done. So how do you delegate, direct, and motivate your team members, especially when they have different personalities? The Everything DiSC® management profile can help you with the skills you need to lead a successful team.
Everything DiSC® management: Delegating and Directing
Delegating tasks and providing direction are the management functions that enable the transfer of authority and responsibility from a superior to subordinate. This benefits both superiors and subordinates. For managers, it frees up time to help them focus on tasks that require higher-level skills. And for subordinates, it helps them to develop skills, gain knowledge, and improve their decision-making ability. When managing people, it’s important to delegate tasks and provide direction in a way that aligns with each person on your team.
For example, if you’re managing someone who is a D (Dominance) style, remember that they want the freedom to make their own decisions, so give them the big-picture, but don’t micro-manage them.
Delegating to an I style is a balance between giving them enough details about the task and encouraging them. Because they tend to be social, they may lose focus and it’s your job to make sure they don’t lose track of the details.
People with an S style tend to be accommodating and friendly, so when delegating tasks or a project to someone with a S style remember to give them clear directions and provide step-by-step instructions.
When directing and delegating tasks to someone with a C style, be sure to provide clear objectives and fact-based ideas. Charge them with doing the analysis, and give them the time and space to do it.
Everything DiSC® Management: Motivating
Employee motivation is crucial because it fosters the development of competencies, increases engagement, employee retention and productivity and directs behavior in accordance with organizational goals. Well-motivated employees perform better at work. When employees are unmotivated, productivity suffers, affecting the organization’s performance.
But managers can’t motivate people—they have to motivate themselves. So what can you do? Create an environment where people can find their own natural motivation. It’s your job to understand what motivates each person on your team and create an environment where they can do their best work. Using DiSC® assessment tools for your team will help you effectively delegate, direct, and develop your team based on their individual DiSC® styles.
For example, people with a D style are motivated to win, so be sure to let them know how much value they bring to the organization. Let them control their environment as much as possible and create competitions that will contribute to the team’s success.
To create an environment that is motivating for someone with an I personality style, make sure they can socialize and create relationships with their coworkers. Encourage their positive energy and put them in the limelight.
People with the S style prefer a calm, structured environment, so avoid surprises and create an environment that gives them the structure and security they need to feel comfortable. Try to keep tension and conflict to a minimum.
Creating an environment that will motivate someone with the C style requires paying attention to high standards and details. Be sure the build in the time needed for analysis, and approach things logically.
Managing Up
Managing up means strategically building relationships with your higher-ups to make their work easier. Your boss or manager has their own DiSC® style. To improve your relations and interactions with your boss, you will need to adjust to the differences between your own DiSC® style and theirs. Building a good rapport with your boss is an important skill to hone in as this is one of the critical relationships in one’s work life.
Tips For Managing Up Effectively
- Get acquainted with your manager’s DiSC® style and preferred style of communication. Do they prefer email, phone calls, or in-person conversations?
- When in doubt, ask for clarification. Ensure that you understand what was said by rephrasing.
- Be intentional about getting feedback and use the resulting conversation to determine what changes in behavior the manager demands.
- Be assertive. However, state your ideas or feedback as an opinion but let them be backed up by data and facts.
- Seek to be of help. Always take the initiative by offering solutions.
- In order to have a fluid relationship with your boss, you have to understand their mode of operation. Find out what makes your boss tick. What are their weaknesses? Where would they need help the most? Show up consistently in that area. Showing your boss that you are available and willing to make the work easier establishes trust and goodwill. Trust is essential because it facilitates ease of communication.
Whether you are managing a team or “managing” your boss, taking the time to understand yourself and others will help you get the most out of your management experience. Learn more about the Everything DiSC® management approach to getting the most out of your team.
