(The key learnings were also published in the RiverRhee Newsletter, November-December 2017)
Key learning 1: John Adair’s 3-part focus on individuals, teams and tasks helps our managers identify and balance their different responsibilities.
John Adair’s model is at the heart of RiverRhee’s training for managers and teams
Key learning 2: Job descriptions, project charters, SMART objectives – are 3 invaluable tools to clarify and communicate expectations.
Key learning 3: Managers can learn a lot about what motivates their staff by listening to how they talk about their work and observing what they do.
Key learning 4: A manager should adapt the style of her communication so as to be better understood.
Key learning 5: The style and content of performance reviews is evolving. A focus on developmental opportunities and goals vs. retrospective reflections could be more productive.
Key learning 6: Developing your coaching skills as a manager will support both your own and your direct reports’ performance.
Key learning 7: When in difficult situations, it’s useful to first consider your own mindset and assumptions.
Key learning 8: Managers of high performance teams make it natural to discuss ‘the elephant in the room’.
Key learning 9: Skilful managers understand and develop the diverse personality strengths within their teams.
Key learning 10: High performing managers and their teams excel with a clear purpose and roles, strong relationships and good working practices.
Key learning 11: There will never be enough time. Effective managers focus their attention and manage their productivity rather than endeavouring to “manage time”.
Key learning 12: Delegation, for a productive manager and their direct reports, is both a necessity and an opportunity.
Key learning 13: A structured approach to projects and processes makes it possible to identify and share good practices and to continuously improve.