The Productivity Pro Weekly Newsletter - November 7, 2012

Published: Wed, 11/07/12

Laura Stack, The Productivity Pro

"A good manager is a man who isn't worried about his own career but rather the careers of those who work for him." -- H.S.M. Burns, former President of Shell Oil.
Lead, Then Get Out of the Way: How a Good Manager Makes Life Easier for the Team 

From a productivity perspective, one can describe a workplace team using the metaphor of a precision machine. Team members are interlocking parts, which while they vary in significance, all require the others for the engine to function effectively. As in a car, alone and disengaged, the individual parts aren't good for much. 

As team leader, you play several crucial roles here:

a) MECHANIC. You keep the productivity engine in good repair and provide the lubrication it needs to purr like a kitten. 

b) DRIVER. You also steer the team toward company objectives.

c) BULLDOZER. You remove obstacles, clearing and smoothing the way, so your team can more easily execute their duties.

Basically, you work for the team-they don't work for you-even though the org chart says they do. That's a lot of responsibility for a leader, so here are three simple suggestions on how to more easily accomplish your jobs as Mechanic, Driver, and Bulldozer. 

 Lead, Then Get Out of the Way: How a Good Manager Makes Life Easier for the Team
 
Eliminate Distractions
1. Eliminate Distractions.  Workers can be up to three times more productive when they work in peaceful environments. Ringing phones, people talking on speakerphone during conference calls, chattering voices, rustling papers, and all the other racket of the standard open-plan office inevitably demands some of their attention. Actually, it takes a lot of subconscious effort to tune it out! As a leader, eliminating workplace distractions represents one of your most important tasks. Even little things can help, like installing cubicle doors, using noise-canceling headsets, creating protocols and office guidelines, and banning loud hallway conversations. Allow your workers to turn off their phone ringers and cut back on email-checking when they need to focus.
 
Refuse to Micromanage
2. Refuse to Micromanage. Nothing distracts a worker more than a "helicopter boss." Hovering at someone's elbow results in a nervous employee incapable of exercising initiative. This hinders productivity, so get out of the way. Either a particular worker knows how to do their job already or they don't. If not, remedy the situation with the right training or coaching.
 
Equip Your Employees Properly
3. Equip Your Employees Properly. Ever try to tighten one of those little screws on your sunglasses with a fingernail? Believe me, it doesn't work very well. Once I turned 40, I needed reading glasses and also quickly realized I needed one of those tiny screwdrivers included in eyeglass repair kits. Now I keep one in my briefcase. Similarly, to do their jobs properly, your team requires specialized tools. Supply those tools, whether physical or intellectual, without hesitation. Train them in all aspects of their jobs, provide the tools they need to be successful, and regularly apply new technologies designed to make the work easier and thus maximize worker productivity. 

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NEW Public Workshop in Denver on November 30

Just a short time left to sign up for this immersive, interactive workshop, based on Laura Stack's newest book, What to Do When There's Too Much to Do! This full-day experience will be facilitated by Productivity Pro master certified trainer, Bonnie Davis.

What would you do with 90 extra minutes each day? Perhaps that idea sounds impossible, but in fact, it's well within your reach...once you apply these proven and practical strategies. You'll receive the tools and tips you need to truly do less, get greater results, and maintain your sanity.

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Thanks for reading! Make it a productive day.™