Getting things done through people is the classic definition of management. While I would argue with that definition, working with people is clearly one of the most important responsibilities of any manager – in any organization. Peter Drucker identifies the primary responsibilities of management as: setting objectives, organizing, motivating and communicating, measuring, and lastly, developing people.
Based on this list of responsibilities, a significant percent of your job as a manager is the development of people. Managers are in the people development business.
People Management 101 – Mistakes Happen
I believe most of the people you work with really want to do a good job. They want to be as successful in doing what they do as much as you want to be successful as a good manager. But what happens when mistakes occur? What’s your response to a subordinate’s mistake or failure?
The issue isn’t will mistakes happen and will failures occur, the issue is how will you handle those mistakes or failures when they do occur.
Here are a few suggestions on how to correct mistakes without demotivating your people or demoralizing your staff.
“Just the Facts, Ma’am”
Before you meet with an employee, take the time and determine what exactly happened. Keep assumptions to a minimum. Bad things happen in spite of good intentions. Get the facts before jumping to conclusions. This way you’ll help maintain the employee’s self-esteem and set the stage for constructive criticism.
Treat the mistake/failure as an event
If at all possible, don’t make the failure personal. Start the corrective conversation with something positive. Put the employee at ease by letting him/her know you realize mistakes happen. Show your appreciation for what the employee does for the company. Focus on the problem, not on the person.
Don’t Jump to Conclusions
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to explain something to a person who’s already made a decision about what has happened. Here’s a good approach to take: instead of asking “why” questions, ask the person to help you understand the thinking that led to the problem.
Focus on the Problem, not the Person
Focus on the behavior that led to the problem at hand. Avoid terms like “you were wrong!” Instead, approach the issue from the standpoint of asking how a better decision could be made the next time the employee is faced with these or similar circumstances.
Encourage and Restore
Take the approach that great lessons can be learned from mistakes. Good judgment often comes from bad experiences. We can tolerate the occasional mistake and failure. What we can’t allow is the same mistake being made over and over again. Your objective is to teach the employee to take a negative event and turn it into an opportunity for learning.
Tags: business, employee, employer, improvement, management, manager, managers, results, solution, solve, starategies, success
