more about this guidebook

Manage the Staff

The Manage the Staff quadrant of the Management Wheel covers the principles that should inform and drive the actions of strong managers as they relate to their direct reports. Beginning with the basic structure of how positions are organized, managers understand the principles of governance and how to create Functional Org Charts and Position Role Sheets that give staff clarity about their roles and responsibilities. They know what it takes to create a climate in which everyone is clear about expectations, receives the support needed to accomplish well-defined goals, and where appropriate rewards are given when expectations are met. Lastly, managers are attuned to opportunities for coaching and development of their staff; they look for ways to bring out the highest and best in their team.

Manage the Work

The Manage the Work quadrant of the Management Wheel covers the principles that should inform and drive the actions of strong managers as they relate to this body of work they’ve been assigned—their team’s specialization. As effective problem solvers, managers must learn how to remove obstacles that prevent the work from being accomplished. They understand the dynamics of project management and how to manage the scope, resources, and timeline of projects that achieve improvements in the organization. They also understand and appreciate good processes, and fully utilize them to achieve greater quality and consistency in the work that is produced.

Manage the Self

The Manage the Self quadrant of the Management Wheel covers the principles that should inform and drive the actions of strong managers as they seek to be self-aware and bring their highest and best to their jobs. While everyone has natural strengths and weaknesses, exceptional managers seek to improve their self-awareness so they can build on strengths and improve their weaknesses. They engage with their team in productive dialogue and feedback through the One-to-One Process; they hone their time management skills; and they learn techniques to become sound decision-makers.

Manage the Workplace

The Manage the Workplace quadrant of the Management Wheel covers the principles that should inform and drive the actions of strong managers as they relate to the workplace. This begins with creating structure around meetings, so these important gatherings are productive and effective. Managers must excel at conflict management, setting a standard for the team that says conflict is unavoidable and can be beneficial to the workplace when handled correctly. Managers also need to understand the dynamics of teams and the phases of development as they form, encounter problems, establish good patterns, and achieve results. By leading teams through these different phases, managers reduce conflict and help create a workplace in which people are glad to be a part.

An illustrative company called Lakeview Home Care is used to show how implementing a Strong Management Team can impact a business. Examples, illustrations, and application questions at the end of each chapter make this book practical and helpful for any business owner. A companion workbook is available for free to help you take notes and apply the concepts to your own business.

Useful, concise, applicable, and insightful; this book will help your business become more resilient and more profitable.