by American Management Association
5. December 2011 09:59
Ideally, your department should operate with clear direction. And by tying all operating decisions, responsibilities and tasks to the department's vision or mission, all decisions made will benefit the organization.
The first step is planning. Anything that does not contribute to the group or corporate mission should be done only after all tasks or projects linked to corporate strategy are completed.
For many workers, it is hard to see how their individual position contributes to or detracts from the greater goals of the organization. It is the job of today's leaders to be able to help their employees to see the connection between what they do and the corporate mission.
Give people access to the information that will enable them to make the right decisions when the time comes to make them. Distribute any information you yourself use in keeping current—productivity reports, progress reports, industry studies, etc.—to all your employees, even those whose jobs might not seem to require this information. As obvious as it may be to you, point out the different departments that depend on your input and also those that provide support services. Name those individuals they will need to know to resolve problems that arise.
Certainly include employees in any management planning that may affect their jobs. Keep them informed. Management has always been somewhat stingy with sharing its feelings and plans, but if workers are going to give 100% of their effort, they need to be treated as equally interested parties.
Last, but not least, when celebrating goals being met, recognize everyone and acknowledge what part they played. Sometimes all it takes to get your employees to always give it their all is to show them that you notice it when they do.