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June 10, 2004

So What Is This 'Management'?

So What Is This ‘Management’?
  • Working out what you want staff to do
  • Telling them it so they can do it
  • Making sure they are still doing it
  • Working out how to do it better next time

This seemingly simplistic definition of management is actually incredibly useful. There are a number of times when I’ve been going into meetings where I’m feeling uncomfortable for a non-specific reason, or where I feel like things are getting out of control, and coming back to this list makes me realise I’ve missed one of the key stages out.

If you can get to number 3 on this list, then chances are the project will happen in something like the timescale you planned.

If you can get to number 4, you’ve reached the holy grail, because this is the point where Your Job Gets Easier. So that’s something to aim for.

Of course, what I’ve documented here is the craft of management. The ‘art’ is to do this without pissing your staff or boss off. So let’s have a look at them for a moment…

Posted by Tom Dolan at June 10, 2004 04:35 PM

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