Bossing Around

"Be sure you understand what your boss has ordered before you act on his command. What if you whack the wrong guy, or bomb the wrong joint."

~ The Mafia Manager

I have read many books on team management. The advice they all give sounds easy and great on paper. However, their methods are not always applicable in the dynamics of a ruthless corporate reality. I tried to use some strategies, but did not notice any significant improvements or the expected success. I then developed my own plan and utilized it while managing a team.

Here is what I have discovered:

Change the tactics if things are not working out the way you want. Leave the black box and think of alternatives to get your way. My friend, a typical Casanova, once said - there is no woman who would not want to dance, there is a man who doesn’t know how to ask.

Create a competition among your resources (even if you have to hire additional help) to let them know they are no longer irreplaceable. Such stimulation technique is not described in the resource management books; yet, it has an amazing effect.

Of course, it is well known that the resources should be rewarded when they deserve it. Work hard and play even harder. Everyone likes appreciation and a feeling of being an important contributor.

Try not to reject vacation requests, even if it means you have to work extra hours yourself. People have a right to take their time off when they need to (unless they are married to their jobs). Rejection might cause aggressive behavior of your employee towards you.

Proper vocabulary is always a must. First, do not give orders in a direct way. Nobody owes you anything, even though you make some significant contributions to your employees’ bank accounts. Send them to hell in such a way that they will start looking forward to the trip - states the unofficial definition of diplomacy. Second, proper language is a protection mechanism - there is no proof of discrimination, misbehavior, etc. on your behalf. Third, your composure will take you further than frustration and spite.

Do not expect your resources to love you. Do not worry about being hated. Make sure, however, to gain their respect. And that’s all what you need to get the job done.

I, personally, try to keep relations with my employees on a professional level. Even if we share a meal during lunch or dinner, I prefer to keep some distance. Typically, there is no such thing as true friendship between a boss and a subordinate, unless they have known each other for decades.

Delegate. Do not volunteer to do a task if you know it can be completed by someone else. You are the boss after all.

There is no set method in resource management. Each team has its character and soul. A good project manager should be able to sense the mood of the team and shepherd it in the necessary direction.