Training New Managers

Most managers get that role because they're the hardest worker; the best salesperson; or the smartest person in the office.

But those traits don't translate into being an effective manager.  That's where screening, development, and - most importantly - training - comes into play.

A new article in HR Executive Online discusses how and why to get managers properly trained as well as establishing metrics for success.

And yes, I'm quoted in the article.

Thanks to Scott Westcott and HR Exec Online

What Generation Y Managers Want

I'm in the middle of conducting a Leadership Development Program for a company that is young. And their managers - 11 of them - are really young: the oldest is 29 and the youngest is 23. What's more - none of them have had management training before, so it's been an interesting experience for all of us.

Prior to conducting the program, I asked them what they most wanted from their training. Here are their answers:

1. How to give both positive and negative feedback.
2. How to utilize people's strengths and optimize their weaknesses.
3. How to get subordinates to Manage Up.
4. How to keep my team motivated
5. How to make the most efficient use of my time.
6. How to delegate (this is related to #5).
7. How to manage expectations.

A pretty good list - and, I think, not just limited to Gen Y Managers.

Thoughts?

Survey: Tuesday is the Most Productive Day

The temporary staffing firm Accountemps has released a survey showing executives believe that Tuesday is the most productive workday of the week.

The results mirror results of the same survey conducted in 2002, 1998, and 1997.

In some ways, the results make since. Fridays are the most common day for vacation, and Mondays are the second most common (and Mondays are the most frequent day taken for sick days).

It's up to managers and business owners, however, to manage productivity throughout the week. There is no excuse for Tuesdays being more productive than, say, Wednesday or Thursday.

Make sure your employees have a plan for each day of the week. Ensure they focus on the most important thing they need to do, and not just going through a checklist of menial tasks.

Get in their offices or work stations. What employees tell you they do is usually completely opposite of what they actually do.

The 'ivory tower' is the wrong place to lead people - especially if productivity is inconsistent throughout the work week.

What you allow, you encourage.