Performance Matters - #20

Problems are an inherent part of management. The question is who owns the problem. Too often managers take on problems that they don't own, and shouldn't own. Here are a few thoughts on problems and decisions pertaining to them.

First, don't make decisions that don't need to be made. It may not be your problem, it may not be your decision, it may not need a decision, or it may not need a decision now. Making a decision you do not need to make is always A WRONG DECISION!

Second, don't take on problems that are not yours. Those who report to you should not be allowed to bring problems to you that is in their area of responsibility. Instead, if they can not solve a problem on their own they should come to you with solution options they have considered and with questions pertaining to problem clarification and solution implications. After discussing those matters with you it is still their decision not yours.

If problems are yours and a decision is appropriate, always solve problems quickly and definitively, do not allow them to “brew”.

Be proactive!

Not deciding or deciding in a reactive manner is never as effective as being proactive. Being proactive builds motivation, trust, and loyalty.

LEAD!

Bob

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