National Learning Institute

Managing on a day to day basis for continuity of performance

What are the "must do" things that every new manager needs to know?

In the day-to-day role of managing, the new manager needs to:

• Communicate (have at least a brief conversation with each of your people once a day and consider weekly team meetings)
• Keep up to date with organisational and work aspects that may affect the team - ensure you keep your people informed of these - this will help build trust and mitigate the effects of the grapevine
• Ensure harmony within the group or team is maintained - deal with any conflict immediately
• Be clear, decisive and consistent with your decisions - if you can't make a decision or need to change one, tell your people why
• Address poor performance issues immediately and take appropriate steps to resolve them
• Above all, make sure you praise your people regularly for the good work they are doing

 

Tips for maintaining the continuity of your’s and the team's performance

• Seek feedback on the effectiveness of your team meetings (regularly use the Team Process Evaluation Form - contact us for a copy).
• Ensure a regular item on your team meeting agenda is "What's happening in the world outside of this team?".
• Address any sign of conflict between team members as and when this arises rather than waiting for it to "clear up by itself" - it won’t!
• When you make a key decision that affects the team (after careful consideration and discussion), stick with it unless there is a compelling and fact-based reason for change.  If you need to change your decision, make sure you tell your team why.
• When a person is not performing, hold an immediate discussion with him/her to find out why.
• Thank the team for the good work they are doing.  Make sure you are specific and describe exactly their work you are praising.