In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell said that no one, not even the best of the best, makes it on their own. Not even geniuses, and ‘self-made’ men and women – we ALL need help along the way.
Reports
Our employees also need help along the way, but managers are overwhelmed; there is too much to do. So, we manage remotely by forms and reports, and think we’re on top of things.
But it doesn’t work. Reports are two dimensional. And even when we do meet, we rush through two-dimensional questions with their ‘Yes,’ No’ and ‘Go’ responses.
Engage
We need to engage with the whole person behind the report.
We do need to know, of course, that sales staff are meeting targets, but more important, will they go on meeting them? How is their resilience and what are their interpersonal skills like? Will they cope with future challenges? What are their developmental needs and strategies?
In the rush and busyness of countless reports, how are you reaching out to employees with real and meaningful support? Try these open questions in your face-to-face discussions (via Zoom if you must, but definitely not in a report):
- Covid-19 has affected everyone. What have been some of your challenges?
- What could we have done differently? What should we be doing?
- What challenges are your customers facing?
- What are you excited about?
- What’s your big next step?
- What support do you need?
What questions would you add?
What should you not be asking?
Improve your performance management with a Simply Communicate workshop. Contact Ian Webster today on ian@simplycommunicate.co.za
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